Seems like the theme for today has been that the results should drive the activity, not the other way around.

During a major project planning and update meeting, it became apparent that we have it backwards.  It is amazing how different the planning, activity and pace of projects can be when this gets flipped over the way it needs to be.  Let me lay out both scenarios for you.

When activity drives the plan, it starts with an idea.  The idea then gets evaluated at the broadest spectrum.  This generates a ton of excitement because the idea balloons into what we might be able to achieve once it is carried to its fullest extent.  Then, in order to make it manageable, it gets whittled down into a lesser impact project.  It is now slightly less exciting right at the outset.  We take off doing what we feel needs to be done in order to see what happens.  The focus remains on the activity.  When issues arise, it gets in the way of the activity.  As issues build, they keep getting in the way of the activity and motivation wanes.  Each and every conversation requires discussion of direction because a true endpoint has not been determined.  The direction is adjusted in almost every discussion.  This only leads to frustration or the feeling that no one really knows what is going on.  The frustration usually grows when the projects drags on slowly into more and more activity against a fuzzy measure of success.  These projects end when they fizzle out or someone in a position of authority declares it finished.

When results drive the plan, it starts with the results.  By asking what do we want to achieve?  Once that is determined, then we can decide what the plan looks like to deliver those results.  The results pull the plan through towards the achievement.  The project starts at the beginning and must sequence towards the end.  The activity then drives to the point that the work is put into it that reaches the desired outcome.  This is when the project ends.  No sooner, no later.  Every setback and challenge can be overcome by looking at the prize.  We remain determined to overtake the hurdle that has arisen because we started with the why.  The only reason we got into this project was to achieve this awesome result and that’s what we are determined to capture!