A successful project is a thing of beauty. It's wonderful when a group of talented people with different skills get together and solve a problem, create a product, or deliver a service. But successful projects don't just happen - it takes a lot of work. Here are the requirements of a successful project:
- Someone is in charge - Even in a two- or three-person project, someone needs to making the final decisions and is accountable to the 'client' (internal or external) for the success or failure of the project.
- The project is well-defined - Some projects fail because no one defined what success is. Is it clear what the outcome is and how you'll know when the project is completed?
- The goals are understood by everyone - But it's not enough that the goals be explicit - everyone on the project has to understand the goals. This is why the kickoff or sunrise meeting is so important. It's also important that people who join the project after the kickoff be given an orientation so they can understand the project goals and plan too.
- The timetable is realistic - The project timetable is likely to be 'aggressive' - a euphemism for barely achievable. But it still has to be achievable, not a fantasy. Software developers have long had a mantra: "You can't make a baby in one month by getting nine women pregnant." Some things take time. Good project managers know how to make realistic time estimates.
- People are committed and accountable - Do the team members care about the outcome of the project? Do they deliver on their commitments. Are they present and engaged in project meetings? If not, the chances of success are dismal.
- Management is engaged - Is management paying attention to the progress of the project? There are few things worse than working on a project that no one cares about.
- The skills and resources needed are available - Part of determining whether management is engaged is whether the right people and other resources are dedicated to the project.
- The client (internal or external) is part of the solution - Projects are done for some reason or some person. Is the ultimate client a part of the project team, or at least watching the progress and engaging in milestone reviews?
Now you see why many projects fail. If one of the items above is missing, it's possible that the project could succeed, but it's a long-shot. If two are missing, there is almost no chance of success.
So what can you do to help ensure a successful project?
- Know your role and the role of others - You're on the project for a reason. Do you know what it is? Do you know what the other team members expect from you? Do you know why they are on the project?
- Speak up if any of the above is missing or unclear - If you are concerned about the success of the project, or if you see any of the essentials above are missing, speak up. Tell the other team members of your concern. With luck, you may just not have a complete view of the project. Otherwise, work with the rest of the team to figure out how to make the project successful.
