Good project management in any methodology plans time for all the parties involved in a project to review it at its end. Notes are taken and reviewed. Stakeholders and contributors suggest changes to the process, resources, and allocation of resources for the next project. Sign-off on these changes takes place in one form or another and its on to the next project – everyone having contributed to and committed to changes intended to improve the process of project management for this team. People in software know this process as a “postmortem”.
A Fresh Start
New projects, like new years, are easy to look forward to. They offer opportunities to start fresh, to set or reset goals, to realign with what really matters, and to re-prioritize. They also offer a point in time when as a culture we give ourselves a new second chance.
This year, we may have a tendency to look back at 2009 and see all the bad that happened. There was plenty for most of us. But we have an opportunity to look forward to all the potential of 2010 as well.
2009’s Postmortem
What if we did a postmortem for 2009? We’d identify all the weaknesses in our process for 2009 and commit to positive change in 2010.
I wonder what would happen if each of us put as much time and energy into crafting our New Year’s resolutions as we do a postmortem at work? Even if you think they’re stupid and would rather be coding, I bet you show up for the postmortem meeting (sometimes just to complain, maybe?).
If we don’t do this, what sense does that make? We put more energy into planning for the future of our projects than we do in our own futures? What does that say about our priorities? That we care more about our projects than ourselves?
Dedicate the Time
I want to encourage each of us to dedicate at least one (uninterrupted) hour to our resolutions this year. What worked? What could have been better? What do we want to do differently next year?
Let’s commit to things we can do and the things we’re ready to change. When you have a resolution ready, run it by someone. Ask them if you sold them on your resolution. If you’ve thought it through and sold yourself, they’ll be sold as well. If not, keep working.
Create Accountability
The key to any commitment is to find a way to hold yourself accountable for your resolutions. Many people shirk at the sound of the word “accountability”, but without it success is impossible. No one else is going to do it – just you. Be creative – figure out a way to account for the actions you take on the way to realizing this resolution.
The Vision
Envision the destination clearly and hold yourself to each step on the way. No one takes a vacation to Hawaii because they once resolved to go to Hawaii. No, they go because they can taste the salt water, they can feel the sun on their face, they can see the lava-topped volcanoes and hear the waves against the sand. Your resolution has a better chance of success if you describe it as clearly and detailed as possible.
Let’s look forward. Let’s make a commitment to changing for the positive. Make a commitment today to bettering something in 2010! If How to Geek On can help, let us know.
