The Default Fault

      On the foggy back side of the Comfort Zone, the population of defaulted projects grows by the day. Defaulted projects are the ghosts of those formerly promising intentions that slid backwards from their Project Plans into mediocrity or worse. Execution did ‘em in.

     So implementation is what matters? We should forget planning and just launch straight into action, right?

     Wrong.

     This whole issue of how to manage planning-execution is an essential matter in Project Management, and handling it successfully is a secret of project success.

     There is an apparent contradiction involved: As General Eisenhower said, “Plans are nothing; planning is everything.” He endorsed the process, but was deeply suspicious of its product.

     Here’s what I think he meant: Plan as if every detail must be permanently nailed down in advance – then execute as if every element of the plan is wide open to amendment or reversal on the fly.  

What Do You Mean, "Done?"

     What do you mean, “Done”?

     It’s obvious to you what “done” is. It’s also obvious to me.

     Problem One:

     Your “done” is different from mine.