Managing a project with a focus on efficiency and customer value, especially when you’re dedicating only one day per week to it, requires a strategic and highly focused approach. Here’s a breakdown of what you could do under each of the principles you mentioned:
- Eliminate Waste:
- Lean Project Management: Adopt principles from lean methodologies to identify and eliminate waste in processes. This includes unnecessary meetings, redundant communication, or any activities that don’t add value to the project.
- Streamline Communication: Set up efficient communication channels and tools. Use concise, action-oriented communication to minimize time spent on emails or meetings.
- Automation and Tools: Utilize project management tools to automate repetitive tasks and streamline workflow. This can include automated reporting, task assignment, and progress tracking.
- Only Do What the Customer Values:
- Regular Customer Feedback: Engage with the customer regularly to understand their evolving needs and priorities. This could be through short, focused meetings or surveys.
- Prioritize Tasks: Based on customer feedback, prioritize tasks that directly contribute to delivering customer value. Use a method like MoSCoW (Must have, Should have, Could have, Won’t have) to prioritize.
- Minimum Viable Product (MVP): Focus on delivering an MVP first. This approach helps in getting early feedback and ensuring that the team is working on features that the customer truly values.
- No Bureaucracy, Only Necessary Governance:
- Simplified Processes: Implement only the essential processes and governance structures. Avoid over-complicating workflows with unnecessary approvals or documentation.
- Clear Guidelines: Establish clear guidelines and criteria for decision-making that empower team members to make decisions without always going through a bureaucratic chain.
- Regular, Brief Reporting: Instead of lengthy and frequent reports, opt for brief, focused updates to stakeholders. This keeps everyone informed without consuming excessive time.
- Focus on Delivering and Accountability (RACI):
- RACI Model: Implement a RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed) matrix to clarify roles and responsibilities. This ensures accountability and avoids confusion about who is responsible for what.
- Agile Methodologies: Use agile methodologies to focus on regular delivery of project increments. This promotes a culture of continuous delivery and improvement.
- Performance Metrics: Define clear performance metrics that align with project objectives. Regularly review these metrics to assess progress and guide future efforts.
- Time Management for One Day Per Week:
- Focused Sessions: Plan your day with dedicated time blocks for specific activities, like customer communication, team meetings, and reviewing progress.
- Delegation and Empowerment: Delegate tasks effectively to team members. Empower them to make decisions and take actions within their scope, reducing the need for your constant involvement.
- Preparation and Follow-Up: Prepare an agenda before your project day and have a clear plan of action. After the day, send out a brief summary and action items to the team, so progress continues even when you’re not actively managing.
By adhering to these principles, you can manage a project efficiently with limited time, ensuring that every action taken is valuable and contributes directly to the project’s success.