There’s enough to do (for most project managers) just keeping existing projects on track and moving, the additional burden of ongoing process improvement is more often than not pushed to the side since many consider it a nice-to-have/low-priority effort. I think this is one of the biggest failings a project manager falls into. We (PM’s) are paid to reduce risk and as a result provide for a higher probability of success – right? If you believe in that, than our primary function should be process improvement even at the risk of the current project. Think about it, a failed project today in an effort to ensure dozens of successful projects going forward as compared to pushing a failing project through and then tackling the next project about to move into failure status soon after. We need to continue to move towards improvement, move towards the light at the end of the tunnel to ensure that when we leave, we leave a better environment then when we started. Step back, take a breath and look at the big picture.
Actually most of the time we don't even put our project at risk to see what can be improved. We fail frequently enough to have food for thought when it comes to process improvement.
ReplyDeleteThe other thing is how process improvement is done. It's quite often situation when it doesn't make any good but add paperwork. Or, on the other end of scale, some new cool method is implemented no matter how much (or how little) it sticks to the way the team works.
You are saying absolutely right We need to continue to move towards improvement, move towards the light at the end of the tunnel to ensure that when we leave, we leave a better environment then when we started.I really pleased by getting at project management here.
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, and yes! It is so hard to put down the projects and take a big step back to see the entire picture. Are current practices putting future projects at risk - just to get current projects out the door? You hit it on the head, we need to keep an open mind to improving the process as opposed to just churning out project after project. New year, new practices!
ReplyDeleteThis is a good subject.
ReplyDeleteIt is very true that process improvement is often left on the side of the road. Project stakeholders almost never look outside of the project frame and so process improvement can sometimes feel like gold plating.
If no PMO exists, it is often only project managers who drive process improvement, and sometimes under the radar.
Stepping back to look at the big picture should be done often and getting together with fellow project managers to share ideas and the load is essential.
I have seen both cases. PMs focusing too much in improving the process and almost leaving the project aside and PMs not worrying about improving the process (the latter much more frequent).
ReplyDeleteWe should always keep an eye on what we can improve, but keeping a balance with managing our project.
A good article. Very good points on improving project processes. Inspiring article also...Keeps on going and seeing the big picture ahead.
ReplyDelete