Do you often find it challenging to derive your projects success whilst Project Closure phase? Then this article is for you !
Before I start with this topic, may I request you to please check my other blogs as well & subscribe to join our Elite group ! Let’s grow our elite team of Project and Program Managers together 🤗🙌🏻
Now, let’s start with the topic …
Your client’s / Project Sponsor’s perception of project “success” can be different, for example, it can be investment v/s returns or you did a good job as a consultant or you were able to finish the project by a certain deadline.
So, it is important for you and your client or project sponsor to discuss how to determine the success of the project.
Unfortunately, determining whether a project was successful or not is not nearly as easy as it might seem because there are numerous perspectives on what is project “success.” Therefore, it is important to consider all of these perspectives, especially about a complex – and usually changing – project. Consider the following possible definitions of what might be considered as “success” in your consulting project, and work with your client to select one or more.
1. Quantify Measure of Success (MoS)
Both you and your client / project sponsor should specify the overall results (quantifiable) that the project is to achieve. Ideally, the results are described in terms such that you both could readily discern if the results were achieved or not. This outcome is often a measure as to whether the project was successful or not.
2. Did it resolve the problem statement?
More times than people realize, the originally specified project results have little to do with actually solving the most important problem in your client’s organization. That occurs because, as you and your client work together to examine and address their overall problem, you both realize that there is a more important problem to address. At that time, it is wise to change your project plans if both of you agree. Discuss the new results that you prefer and how you will know whether or not they are achieved.
Still, later on, your client might believe that any agreed to results that were achieved from the project were not as important as addressing any current, unsolved problems, so your client might still conclude that the project was not as successful as it should have been. Or, your client might believe that any achieved results were actually more useful than addressing the original problem that you discussed, so your client might still conclude that the project was highly successful. (To avoid this, adhere to pt. 1 i.e. MoS)
3. Time & Money
Often, your client or project sponsor has limited resources in terms of money and time. Therefore, any project that did not require more time and money than expected might be considered successful. That might be true, especially if your client has the philosophy that there are always problems to be solved in any organization and that the project was done as best as could be done.
4. Client relationship
The quality of your relationship with your client is often directly associated with what the client perceives to be the quality of the project. In a highly collaborative approach to consulting, you want your relationship with your client to be as open, honest and trusting as possible. The nature of the relationship supports your client’s strong, ongoing commitment and participation in the project itself, which, in turn, helps to ensure that the project effectively addresses problems in their organization.
Share your thoughts on this topic via the comment section …
By the way, are you aware of the GREAT meeting concept? If not then, take some time to read my article on this topic. Here’s the link.
Please feel free to get in touch with me if you need any support (Details are available in the Contact Us section of my page) ..
Keep reading & stay safe dear Readers … We are going through some tough times, but we will survive this as always. Please follow the guidelines set by your Government and keep yourself fit & happy ! 🙌🏻
Good read !
Thank you so much !
Agreed !! Good one ..
Hey thanks Sam !
Liked the read. Good job.
Hey, thank you so much !!