As mentioned in the previous blog, an easy, scalable and repeatable project assessment is needed. Something that is based in the then current realities of projects, is actionable, and gets multiple perspectives. This is not to replace the deep dive into project metrics if they exist. Nor is it meant to be the be all end all, but a data point to help you identify trends over time and make decisions based on data that is based on individuals perceptions and impressions as our perception is our reality if it goes unaddressed.
So how do you accomplish this? Leveraging technology of course! Gathering feedback from the project team including all stakeholders by using 360 degree online technology to ask questions in three areas—1) how is the project performing, 2) Are the processes around the methodology being used, 3) what is the level of competency of the project manager and/or the project team—would you use this PM on another project. Each of these areas can have 5-7 questions so it is not cumbersome to fill out and the data can be reported in the normal 360 degree feedback reports with strengths, blind spots that is presented by various demographic data with qualitative comments to support the numbers. In the pilot phase of this tool, we have found that client impressions can be inconsistent with what the project managers think and are a great way to identify problem areas of red flags early enough to allow enough time to course correct.
At the end of the day, the key objective to keep in mind is how to leverage training interventions and correlate that to current project performance. This approach allows you to combine the data collected after the training (immediately and 90 days) with the feedback from the project team in these 3 areas to allow you to focus the project performance picture in a way that is based on data. Data that is accurate enough supported by insights from the team that can be collected every 3 or 6 months, depending on the project time scale, to show trends and improvement or decline.
More to come on this tool in my next blog.