The PRE-mortem: Learn Before You Have To!

Thanks to Harvard for reminding me of the power of the premortem--read the post here.

Projects fail all the time, and most experts will tell you that to prevent future failures you need to look at what went wrong. Instead of giving your next big project an autopsy, do a premortem: look at what could go wrong before it does. After your team is briefed on the project plan, gather them together. Explain that (hypothetically) the project has "failed" and ask them to write down all the reasons why it could have. Then alter your original plan based on what you learn. This exercise helps the team identify how you might get off track, and prepares members to pick up early signs of trouble during execution. If you would like a two-page summary with specific action steps for a Pre-Mortem, email jwarren@ipslearning.com Full details can be found HBR Reference: Gary Klein. 2007. “Performing a Project Premortem”. HarvardBusiness Review

You Don't Need a Project Team...You Need A Project Network

In the Spring issue of the MIT Sloan Management Review, "Why Project Networks Beat Project Teams", summarizes research supporting the cultivation of project networks.

Unlike a project team that relies only on the knowledge held by members or a personal network that individuals use to solve their individual problems, the project network combines the knowledge held by the members of a team with the problem-solving capabilities of the team members’ personal networks to achieve a project goal.

The integration of project team members’ knowledge with the capabilities from their personal networks is what differentiates a project network from other kinds of individual and team-based work. This summarizes key actions the research suggest bring value:

Vision Statement: Why Mumbai at 1 PM Is the Center of the Business World - Harvard Business Review

Vision Statement: Why Mumbai at 1 PM Is the Center of the Business World - Harvard Business Review.

Super article for anyone managing globally distributed teams--looks at time zone and global holidays to find times for best meetings.