Section 8.2. Project Priorities

8.2. Project Priorities

The previous sections described ways to prioritize individual tasks. Now I'll present some useful techniques for prioritizing projects.

8.2.1. Prioritization for Impact

Let's say that you and your fellow SAs brainstormed 20 great projects to do next year. However, you only have the budget and people to accomplish a few of them. Which projects should you pick?

In general, I find I get better results when I choose projects on a "biggest impact first" basis.

It's tempting to pick the easy projects and do them first. You know how to do them, and there isn't much controversy around them, so at least you'll know that they'll be completed.

It's very tempting to pick out the fun projects, or the politically safe projects, or the projects that are the obvious next steps based on past projects.

Ignore those temptations and find the projects that will have the biggest positive impact on your organization's goals. In fact, I assert that it is better to do one big project that will have a large, positive impact than many easy projects that are superficial. I've seen it many times. An entire team working on one goal works better than everyone having a different project. This is because we work better when we work together.

Here's another way to look at it. All projects can fit into one of the four categories listed in Figure 8-3.

Figure 8-3. Project impact versus effort

It's obvious to do category A first. An easy project that will have a big impact is rare, and when such a project magically appears in front of us, it's obvious to do it. (Warning: be careful, a project's A status may be a mirage.)

It's also obvious to avoid category D projects. A project that is difficult and won't change much shouldn't be attempted.

However, most projects are either in category B or C and it is human nature to be drawn to the easy C projects. You can fill your year with easy projects, list many accomplishments, and come away looking very good. However, highly successful companies train their management to reward workers who take on category B projectsthe difficult but necessary ones.

Once you think about it in terms of return on investment (ROI), it makes sense. You are going to spend a certain amount of money this year. Do you spend it on many small projects, each of which will not have a big impact? No, you look at the biggest positive impact and put all your investment into that effort.

It is important to make sure these big impact projects are aligned with your company's goals. It is important for the company and important for you, too. You will be more valued that way.