Leading and Delivering Projects, Big or Small

Introduction

In the dynamic world of project management, the ability to juggle various responsibilities and adapt to ever-changing circumstances is invaluable. This is the essence of being an ambidextrous project manager™—one who can seamlessly balance multiple tasks, strategies, and objectives to deliver successful projects, regardless of their size. Drawing from the principles outlined in The Ambidextrous Project Manager©, this article delves into the key concepts and practical steps to lead and deliver projects effectively. Moreover, it is the art of managing projects with flexibility and adaptability. It involves the capability to switch between different modes of thinking and operation, ensuring that both short-term objectives and long-term goals are met. This approach is crucial in today’s fast-paced environment, where projects often face unforeseen challenges and require quick adjustments. 

Key Concepts from The Ambidextrous Project Manager™ 

1. Flexibility and Adaptability: The cornerstone of ambidextrous project management is flexibility. Being open to change and ready to adapt plans as necessary ensures that projects stay on track even when unexpected obstacles arise. 
2. Stakeholder Management: Effective communication and relationship management with all stakeholders is vital. This ensures that everyone is aligned with the project’s goals and any concerns are addressed promptly. 
3. Focus on Outcomes: Rather than getting bogged down by processes, ambidextrous project managers focus on the desired outcomes. This outcome-oriented mindset helps in steering the project towards its goals. 
4. Resource Optimisation: Efficient use of resources, including time, budget, and human capital, is essential. This involves strategic planning and continuous monitoring to ensure that resources are utilised effectively. 
5. Continuous Learning and Improvement: An ambidextrous project manager is always learning from past experiences and looking for ways to improve. This iterative process of reflection and enhancement leads to better project outcomes over time. 

Steps to Lead and Deliver a Project 

1. Initiation: Setting the Foundation 

Define the Project Scope: Clearly define what the project aims to achieve. This includes setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives. A well-defined scope prevents scope creep and keeps the project focused. 

Identify Key Stakeholders: Engage with all potential stakeholders early on. Understanding their expectations, concerns, and interests helps in aligning the project goals with their needs. 

Develop a Project Roadmap: Create a project roadmap that outlines the project’s purpose, objectives, scope, and key stakeholders. This serves as a guide and ensures that everyone is on the same page. 

2. Planning: Charting the Course

Create a Detailed Plan: Develop a comprehensive project plan that includes timelines, milestones, resource allocation, and risk management strategies. This plan should be flexible enough to accommodate changes while keeping the project on track. 

Resource Allocation: Allocate resources efficiently. This involves not just assigning tasks but also ensuring that team members have the necessary tools and support to complete their work effectively. 

Risk Management: Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies. An ambidextrous project manager anticipates challenges and prepares contingency plans to address them. 

3. Execution: Bringing the Plan to Life

Lead with Agility: During execution, maintain an agile mindset. Be prepared to pivot and adjust the plan as new information becomes known or as the project environment changes. 

Effective Communication: Maintain open and transparent communication with the team and stakeholders. Regular updates and feedback loops help in addressing issues promptly and keeping everyone informed. 

Monitor and Control: Continuously monitor the project’s progress against the plan. Use key performance indicators (KPIs) and other metrics to track performance and make necessary adjustments.

4. Closing: Finalising and Reflecting

Completion and Handover: Ensure that all project deliverables are completed to the required standards and handed over to the relevant stakeholders. This includes finalising documentation and ensuring that any training or support needed for the transition is provided. 

Review and Reflect: Conduct a thorough project review to evaluate what went well and what could be improved. This post-project reflection is crucial for continuous learning and improvement. 

Celebrate Success: Recognise and celebrate the team’s efforts and achievements. Celebrating success boosts morale and sets a positive tone for future projects. 

Case Study

To illustrate these principles, let us consider a case study from the telecommunications sector. Mark Burnett, the author of The Ambidextrous Project Manager™, led a complex ICT restoration project in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) following the devastating Hurricane Irma. 

Initiation: The project’s scope was defined to restore telecommunications infrastructure across the islands. Stakeholders included local government officials, telecommunications companies, and the affected communities. A project roadmap was created to outline the goals and responsibilities. 

Planning: A detailed plan was developed, including timelines for each phase of the restoration, resource allocation for equipment and personnel, and risk management strategies for potential logistical challenges. 

Execution: The execution phase required agility as the team faced unforeseen obstacles, such as damaged roads and supply chain disruptions. Effective communication ensured that all stakeholders were informed of progress and any changes to the plan. Continuous monitoring helped in keeping the project on track despite the challenges. 

Closing: Upon completion, the restored infrastructure was handed over to the local telecommunications companies. A comprehensive review was conducted to identify lessons learned, and the team’s efforts were celebrated to recognise their hard work and resilience. 

Lessons for Future Projects

1. Embrace Flexibility: Projects rarely go exactly as planned. Being flexible and ready to adapt is key to overcoming challenges.
2. Prioritise Stakeholder Engagement: Keeping stakeholders informed and engaged ensures that their needs are met, and their support is maintained. 
3. Focus on Outcomes: Stay focused on the end goals and be willing to adjust processes to achieve those outcomes. 
4. Optimise Resources: Efficient resource management is crucial for project success. Strategically plan and monitor resource usage continuously.
5. Learn and Improve: Use each project as a learning opportunity. Reflect on what worked and what did not and apply those lessons to future projects. 

Conclusion

Leading and delivering projects, whether big or small, requires a blend of flexibility, strategic planning, and effective communication. By adopting the principles of ambidextrous project management, project managers can navigate challenges and deliver successful outcomes. The Ambidextrous Project Manager© offers valuable insights and practical steps to help project managers develop these skills and lead their teams to success. As we continue to face an ever-evolving project landscape, these principles will be crucial in driving innovation, resilience, and excellence in project management.