Define outcome

  Define outcome  

(Execution Excellence -"Ability to get things done" Series)
 

As we discuss the importance of developing project management skills to get things done in addition to functional expertise as we move up, 80 % of the tasks are non-repetitive or project nature, and we may need to deal with many stakeholders who may not be directly reporting to us.

Let us understand the project management principles and how to apply them in day-to-day activities.

Principle 1:

In project management, one prime principle is that any project should have a defined outcome.

Indirectly, it means starting any task with the end objective in mind.
 
How any functional executive or manager can apply this principle in day-to-day activities?
 
In any task, mentally visualize what we look for at the end.
 
For example,
 
When writing a mail to customers or colleagues, what objective would you like to achieve in the communication?

When making a presentation to your team or management, think about the message you would like to convey at the end.

When meeting a new client, what would be the minimum success we expect at the end of the meeting?
 
When we start with the end objective as the focus, it helps us to think through using relevant words, slides, or content. When we do not have clarity of the end goal, we will be hovering around many sentences, slides, or conversations.
 
I use this principle in my consulting profession. Each client is unique, and priorities are different. When i visit them, my challenge is always time constraints and making an impact. I used to go with some mental agenda to be discussed with them and also sought their plan at the beginning of the day. That would help me determine what I need to accomplish at the end of the day and manage the time and people accordingly. If i do not have any agenda or objective, the proceedings would be more casual, as there are many stakeholders and high possibilities of sidetracking from the core.

 The point is that in either reviews/mail/presentations or any other dealings with others, if you mentally articulate what you want to accomplish at the end, that mindset will make you effective in getting things done.
 
Just relate your experience when dealing with any task before starting.

Let us discuss other project management principles that can be used for functional effectiveness next week.
 
Have a great week ahead!