The 4th and last step is to implement the recovery plan and to closely monitor and control the further project progress
In step 3 we defined the necessary sequence and measures for a successful project turnaround and recovery. But in the world of projects up to this point, everything is just theory. What is really crucial to success is the actual and correct implementation of the agreed plan.
In this step we therefore have to continuously track and monitor if our planned intentions are being executed as requested. Here we would like to emphasise the importance of proper project recovery controlling. We know from many years of experience that very few project managers attach value to a consistently applied warning and control system. This activity is so important for us because the lack of an established and applied project controlling often is the original reason for project failure. If everyone were to go back to their work with new momentum but without someone closely keeping an eye on further progress and goal achievements, the project could be again misaligned and then we would be back to a similar crisis situation.
For project controlling often highly sophisticated project management tools are first choice but especially in a turnaround situation we are not big fans of this complex and non-intuitive software because it creates too much distraction.
Usually at the beginning it costs a lot of energy to train the people to use it properly and then to keep them motivated doing the progress updates regularly in the course of the project. Our experience is that it is better to keep tracking effort for all involved people as simple as possible and to let them be fully focused on the original project work.
Here often less is more – we will be close to the action and will monitor and control the recovery project via carefully selected KPIs!
Project controlling is not only a necessary evil for us. In the course of time it has become a valued habit – and today we are sure that it is a very important component for project success.
In order to ensure accurate and especially relevant documentation and to regularly inform all project stakeholders, we will set up a consistent reporting routine.
In short a lean but highly efficient project controlling system supports you to deliver a great project result!
For further information and offer requests please contact us at info@projectbeats.com