Lessons Learned


An important consideration is how to introduce a change in project management methods. This subject arises here because much of the attention in projects is on the ones that are active. One approach to implementing change is for management to announce a new method and then follow it up with training. This is not a good method. People feel defensive and resentful. They feel that management is throwing away what worked for them. They also may feel that they are being grouped in with other project leaders whom they view as marginally competent.

A better technique is to introduce the methods informally in one or two projects where the project leaders are amenable to changes. This is a useful low-profile approach that works. As the methods are applied in these projects, you can gather lessons learned and additional guidelines to make the methods work even better in the future. This also reinforces the value of lessons learned.

As the projects are successful, you can expand to other projects. You can announce a policy after most of the projects are working under the new methods. Then it is a fait accompli. Use the project leaders who applied the methods first to give training and testimonials on the value of the methods. If people hear from their peers about the benefits and ease of use, they will be more accepting of change. You also form focus groups to have project leaders express their frustration and define problems associated with the old techniques.




International Project Management
International Project Management: Leadership in Complex Environments
ISBN: 0470578823
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2003
Pages: 154

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