Welcome to Part 2 of The Super 6 Elements for High Quality Product Launches. In this post I will be introducing each of the Super 6 Elements. After today, I will take each Element and post a detailed discussion focusing on that one Element.
When projects begin to head to the ditch, it’s instinctive to start looking for the problems. However, some things are masking the real hardships. Symptoms are often treated as the problem because that is what is presenting on the outside. However, it is not the real issue. It takes some digging and research to get to the real issue. Some projects may have most, but not all elements & still succeed to some degree because most likely one of the elements they do have is overwhelmingly positive and can drive the project forward in spite of weaker or non existent elements. Not having these six elements in place will almost guarantee the project/product launch will produce less than stellar results!
Please comment early and often. Tell me what you think…let’s talk about experiences and successes. Or we can talk about existing projects that are causing headaches for you…it might me that we can put one or more of these Elements in place to help your situation. With that said, let’s dive in to the list (in no specific order):
Super-6 Element #1 – Superior Communication Management Processes
It has been said in many different arenas that communication will be your best friend or your worst enemy. I find that to be very true. A good communication strategy is in place before you need it and it always addresses the following three questions: What are you communicating, who are you communicating to, what is the appropriate time communicate, and what form of communication is best? All of these questions must be answered to ensure communication is consistent, timely, and high quality.
Super-6 Element #2 – Institutionalized Requirements Management Processes
This is where most projects that are in the ditch start heading for the ditch. Requirements are at the top of the project life cycle. Do a poor job here and you will – not might pay, you will – pay a heavy price. I use the term institutionalized. By that I mean everyone on the team and your client has an intimate, “second nature” level understanding of – and a belief in – the processes used by the project. Is it THAT important?…Absolutely!
Super-6 Element #3 – Aggressive Expectation Management
Expectations are very sneaky little devils. They come at a project manager or project owner in many different ways. From formal statements provided by one group to another; to a simple little sentence said in what may be an unrelated topic. Expectations travel between your client and you, obviously. However, they also travel from each member of the team and the project manager. If not addressed (and managed) any/all expectations will potentially embarrass one or both parties and can be the cause of a total breakdown of the project.
Super-6 Element #4 – Solid Change Management Processes
Change Management is a misunderstood and sometimes a continuous element of the project development and later operational support. It is THE only way to effectively and independently tell the history of the project as it morphs over time. Without Change Management you will have to rely on the memories of the people who were involved at each point that changes/enhancements were made to the product and that is no way to have to run a railroad.
Super-6 Element #5 – Thorough Testing Management Processes
This should speak for itself, but maybe it doesn’t or more people would be good at it. Lots of people claim to be good testers, but they lack the understanding of a true testing scenario and where to look to define each test case. Testing actually starts in the Requirements Phase. No testing the action, but planning for testing. Requirements and Testing are tied together very tightly. It is THE LAST opportunity to thoroughly check the product to make sure it is doing exactly what the customer wants it to do. Product defects will go into production because of blatantly poor testing habits. Finding a defect in production means you must go back and fix something that shouldn’t have been a problem…an instant opportunity to lose credibility! It is far more expensive to fix defects now, than earlier in the process, BUT catch it here and the client is happy that you’re on the ball and testing. Let it go and you could feel the pain for a long time!!
Super-6 Element #6 – Clear, laser focused understanding of the Overall Objective
This may sound a little weird and I may not spend a whole lot of time on this one, but it is important and can derail a project at the very end, when everything should be near completion. It is the loss of focus on the TRUE objective(s) that often times puts the customer and therefore the project team in an embarrassing squeeze. As a result, many people end up working heavy hours to pull off a miracle that should have never been necessary!
As I said above this is only a taste of where I intend to take each of the Super 6 Elements. I personally believe they are fundamentally linked to the degree of success that is achieved on any and all projects undertaken/products launched in the past, now and in the future.
I’m not exactly sure how long it will take to get through each Element. I do know that a couple of them will take longer to adequately cover than others. Look for these posts to be anywhere from a week to ten days apart.
Thanks for hanging around and by all means, please leave a comment so I know you were here and what you think of the list.
Notwithstanding the foregoing and until next time,
Ross Yingling
The Project Management Guy
VP Operations, Marocom LLC
Ross@Marocom.com
Ross@RossYingling.com
