We do Project Evaluations.
Projects spiral out of control for many reasons. The ability to get these projects back on track is a specialty that Zethos Consulting provides to clients. We are very aggressive in our approach and deal with facts and data.
Probably the most important and the most difficult to judge characteristic of a well functioning team is the possession of the focus and vision needed to have an outstanding project. Without this focus, the team cannot execute on the underlying tasks that make up the project.
We have managed projects from 10 to 500 people. The dynamics and ability to drive the teams to a central focus with strong executive leadership is the key. This is a known fact by many, yet they still struggle. We have experience in bringing focus to the executives and the project teams.
Here are some intangibles to think about:
Here are some intangibles to think about:
Focus:
Probably the most important-and the most difficult to judge-characteristic of a well-functioning team is the possession of the focus and vision needed to have an outstanding project. Without this focus, the team cannot execute on the underlying tasks that make up the project.
Disinterest:
If none of your employees believe in the plan or aren't interested in the results, then it will be hard to motivate them to get their tasks done well and on time. The basis for good work is being invested in the project and caring about the results.
The Reality Distortion:
A key communication problem within the team is fondly known as the "Reality Distortion" This phenomenon occurs when a team, engrossed in its own magnificence, convinces itself that impossible dates can be met, that enormously complex technical problems are nothing to worry about, and that naysayers just aren't committed to same project time lines.
Project Hostages:
Much like a team without key people, a team with key contributors who want to leave, but are being held against their will, is destined for disaster. It's often better to just admit the problem and let them go, so at least they won't drag the rest of the team down into their bad morale pit.
Reasons for Failure
FocusThe one success factor most experts agree on is the need for a project team to have a clear vision for its project
Executive Sponsorship Number one reason for project failures.
TeamThe caliber of the team is often raised as a key success factor. While this is relatively obvious, the signs of a problem in this area are less so.
Magic Dates
A warning sign of a bogus schedule is magic dates. Such dates tend be in two forms, the "when do you need it" form, and the "would you look at that" form. The "when do you need it" form of magic date is the schedule date that miraculously meets the date management said it needed it.
