Delivering real improvement

Beyond the basics - tips for professionals

What every CEO must know to deliver significant performance improvement

Having watched many organisations as they strive to make changes and deliver significant performance improvement, the most critical requirement I have seen is the ability to manage cross-functionally. The projects that deliver significant improvement (for example: IT / system projects, new product development projects, organisation / process redesign) all require integrated action across functional boundaries.  Author - Andrew Kearns.

If you would like a copy of the full article please email enquires@hartswoodmanagement.co.uk giving details of your organisation and role.

Top tips for project managers (for details of full article see below)

Whilst each project is unique, there are some critical points which a successful project manager must handle.

1. Plan the key decisions as they always take longer than expected.

2. Understand the working style of team members and stakeholders to increase the chances of delivery.

3. Only commit to a project once it makes sense.

4. Develop different styles of management – use an aggressive style sparingly.

5. Remember - projects that start well, progress well.

6. Manage the functional experts in your project team.

7. Avoid the pitfall of excessive data collection and analysis.

8. Be prepared to make fluent and responsive decisions.

9. Become obsessed with managing the critical path of the project.

10. Involve stakeholders from day 1.

11. Be ready to move from push management to pull management.

If you would like a copy of the full article written by Andrew Kearns please email enquires@hartswoodmanagement.co.uk giving details of your organisation and role.