Community Post

http://www.pmi.org/eNews/Post/2011_11-07/Next-Level-Up.html

COMMUNITY POST
7 NOVEMBER 2011
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Next Level Up

Think Liquid, not Solid, Project Plans

26 Votes

Customer: How is the project going? Project Manager: Dont worry, I have a solid plan. A detailed plan that's considered solid today may not survive future uncertainty. The customer thinks that the project manager has everything under control and the project will go according to plan. The project manager is confident of the plan, but the rigid plan may blind her or him to recognize a shift in the customers needs and the need to adjust the plan. To deal with this, the ideas of "rolling-wave planning" detailed planning for the immediate wave and high-level milestone planning for future waves became popular. Also, practices like iterative planning, progressive elaboration and agile techniques are used more and more. Although these techniques can help, a fundamental shift from a solid to a liquid approach can set the stage for a more effective collaboration between a customer and a project manager. This is important because it sets the stakeholders expectation for project variation and helps project managers by preparing them to withstand unforeseen changes and adjusting plans accordingly instead of proceeding with a false sense of comfort. Here are ideas on how to complement your project plan with the idea of liquid planning: Recognize the reality of plans Project plans are based on the understanding of current assumptions and objectives, which are bound to change. Rarely do projects go exactly according to plan. Working without a plan is not wise, but following a plan that has no relationship to reality is foolish. Recognize how solid plans can become blinders that limit your options. Learn to develop flexible plans with multiple perspectives and options that are enabling and not constricting. Practice real-time planning A pilot flying a plane with a clear objective starts with a flight plan, but has to constantly re-plan in real-time based on weather conditions and wind patterns to reach his destination. Similarly, successful project managers start with a plan, but manage and adjust the project in real-time based on unfolding reality on the ground. Sense-Respond-Adjust-Adapt Real-time planning can be enhanced by cultivating skills to sense, respond, adjust and adapt. Sensing skills help you develop acute awareness and vigilance to anticipate unexpected changes and respond accordingly. Adaptation helps you to quickly adjust to new realities and alter the plan to accommodate the changes.

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Community Post

http://www.pmi.org/eNews/Post/2011_11-07/Next-Level-Up.html

Use the appropriate communication approach to set the right expectations In the above scenario, instead of saying, I have a solid plan, the project manager should communicate that the current plan is based on certain assumptions and validate them. Show the impact of changes in assumptions. Collaborate with the customer to identify and anticipate emergent needs, concerns and possible adjustments. Provide a range of estimates, rather than fixed numbers. List the impact of anticipated risks and issues. Successful project managers start with a good plan, but never get too comfortable with that plan. They understand the liquid nature of projects and are constantly planning and adjusting to the dynamic and changing reality. Mr. Duggal is the managing principal of Projectize Group LLC, specializing in next generation training, consulting and tools. He is a keynote speaker and a PMI SeminarsWorld leader, for Building a Next Generation PMO and Portfolio Management seminar. He works with leading companies worldwide. For questions, comments or your feedback, please contact Mr. Duggal. Check out the new Next Level Up seminar in PMIs SeminarsWorld program.

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