Get better at figuring out how to manage project resources!
This is a story about a fearless leader who was fueled by a crew of passionate developers and designers. She and her team were all set to shake up the mobile app scene. With a great idea in mind, excited and ready to conquer the market.
This was their biggest project yet: cooking up a super cool mobile app that promised to blow everyone's socks off.
They were all hyped up, dreaming of fame and glory, imagining the exit that would follow.
But as days turned into weeks and deadlines got closer, things started getting shaky. Progress slowed down, tensions ran high, and the vibe wasn't as cool as it used to be. It became clear that their timelines were just wishful thinking, and they were seriously short on resources.
Plus, they kept adding more stuff to the project without thinking about the consequences. With the project drifting off course and the budget spiraling out of control, the leader knew they couldn't afford to waste any more time.
It was time for action. It was time to pivot!
She gathered the team for an urgent meeting, admitting to the tough reality: they were heading for a major disaster. And they knew they had to figure out how to dig themselves out of this mess.
They had to come up with a new game plan, to tighten up their project processes, get better at figuring out what they actually needed, and start managing their resources smarter.
I'm sure that you are familiar with this scenario, most of us have faced it, thinking that we can cut corners as we have this great experience hence nothing can surprise us. But the reality is, that with every development, things are getting more complicated, not because we are using some quantum physics, but because we have to overcome the past developments, improve the value and experience for our customers, be better than our competitors, and of course use AI and innovate.
So as Lincoln said: "Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the ax."
Next time, when you are developing a product, do things right.
Probably I'm stating the obvious, but if it's so obvious why aren't we all doing that?
Won't it be easier to have a plan, follow it, and adapt along the way then run like crazy thinking we are going to concur the world?
So here are your steps for the next time you start a new step in your development:
Get the whole team into one room (preferably a physical one) take some sticky notes and good coffee and officially announce a brainstorming session.
Map all the project requirements, deliverables, and potential risks. Consider the nitty-gritty details that could make or break the project, such as required integrations with other systems, regulatory compliance, and scalability requirements. Include possible leave time and unforeseen technical challenges.
Map out the relationships web that defines the project, identify key stakeholders and their respective roles. Marketing, sales, customer support, management alignment, all those should be there. Make sure to address the dependencies and the needs of each stakeholder.
While mapping look out for potential bottlenecks—those pesky roadblocks that could derail even the best-laid plans.
Once the information is available, dive into the available data. Look at past project records if available, analyze everything from resource allocation to task durations to project outcomes, trying to uncover patterns and trends that could shed light on the key drivers of project success.
Use the collected data to make educated guesses about future project outcomes. Prioritize the activities, and allocate resources and budget based on priority.
Yes, educated guessing still holds potential risks and uncertainties, that's why when planning, ensure to stay flexible and adaptable. So in case you hit a snag you would have time to assess the situation, adjust your plans, and keep moving forward.
With this clarity, you are set for success.
Yes, disruption happens, but with this type of planning you would be ready for them!
Would you like to brainstorm your resource management process? or maybe you need some help to facilitate planning?
Let's chat: https://tidycal.com/yelenaliman/15-minute-meeting