Tools are essential for executing a strategy. However, to execute effectively, you first need a clear strategy. That’s why the very first step when starting or joining a new project should be to answer these critical questions:
• How will I structure this?
• How can I create order from complexity?
• What strategy will I choose to make it work?
If a structure already exists, great—map it out, document it, and become your own project architect. Once you have a clear picture, identify areas for improvement. If no structure exists, your task is to create one. Collaborate with your team, present your proposed structure, seek their input, and gain their buy-in.
A solid structure enables you to see the components of the “whole” and connect the dots. It’s like building a Lego set: you start with a clear picture of the final piece and follow the instructions to assemble it step by step.
Without structure, as a project manager, you—and your team—are operating blindly, with everyone heading in different directions. While such projects may somehow deliver results, they are often inefficient, stressful, and exhausting for the team. If your goal is to:
• Improve efficiency,
• Deliver more with less effort,
• Build trust with your client,
• Avoid constant firefighting and overtime,
then prioritizing strategy and structure is non-negotiable. Develop a clear vision, create a big-picture view of the project, and show your team how all the smaller pieces fit together. Moreover, make this an ongoing practice, revisiting and refining as the project evolves.
Why Projects Fail: The Cost of Chaos
Chaos is the primary reason projects and programs shift from “green” to “red.” No project begins as a failure, but they can quickly derail due to a lack of structure, strategy, vision, and alignment. Without a shared understanding between the team and leadership of where they are going and how they will get from the current “as-is” state to the desired “to-be” state, inefficiencies multiply, morale suffers, and results fall short.
To prevent this, embrace structure and strategy as your guiding principles. They are the keys to driving clarity, alignment, and long-term success in any project or program.
