We have been coming up with our own A+E dictionary of terminology around the most common ailments we have seen befall projects, especially in the social and public sectors. Here’s our first installment:

Anaemia: Deficiencies of essential nutrients can cause irreversible weakness, and at worst project death. Whilst the initial concept may be strong, many projects lack the right combination of robust planning, partnership building and smart resourcing, leading to health problems down the line. Ensuring a ‘multivitamin’ intake can give a project a much better chance of success, and teams need generalists who can spot the things that are lacking and bring the right resource into the mix.

Antiviral: No-one wants their great idea to be developed without understanding how to truly engage the intended user. Projects based on audience assumptions can kill an idea too early, leaving great concepts unknown or underused. If  positioning and communications are not built in to the planning stage, adoption rates are likely to stay low and no amount of money can make the message spread.

Pilot-itis: There have been too many pilots in this world. The pilot graveyard is overflowing. Healthy models are ones that plan for a long life expectancy. We’re seeing a move from short term campaigns and launches to a more long-term interaction with consumers and members of the public, now is the time to think about how to produce longevity in a cost-efficient way.

Recurring Bouts: These can be nasty! Just when you think you’re cured, another unforseen issue rears its ugly head. Prevention is in the planning. Agility and flexibility are key, enabling projects to adapt to changing internal and external circumstances.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on these. Have you encountered the same or other project afflictions?

{ 0 comments }