Getting at the “why” of a project
An object at rest remains at rest unless acted upon by an external force. Newton certainly was focused on defining rules that govern the physical world, but the unintended application to human psychology is undeniable. No one really enjoys change because current state is familiar and many of the major problems have been worked out. This inertial problem is often one of the highest hurdles for any team, and why projects can be such an integral means to impact change.
Projects are a vehicle to overcome human proclivity to accept the status quo. By defining purpose, value, and benefit of adopting change, the “why” is established and buy-in can begin. Here are a few reasons “why” a change might be required:
- Financial – There should be a near constant evaluation of opportunities either to increase revenues or decrease expenses. Projects should be undertaken to accomplish either of these opportunities.
- Reduced risks – just because something has been working, does not mean that it is working without risk. Risk reduction is challenging to quantify but can be a compelling reason to tackle change.
- Response to Gravity/Other Project Dependencies – sometimes external forces act and a change is required, just like Newton said. Whether these are governmental, a new corporate initiative, or another department’s project, the reason for change does not always come from within.
- Improved Quality or Efficiency – Even if what exists is already good, could it be better? These improvement opportunities often manifest as tangibles in the form of increased revenues or decreased expenses, but also tug at the human desire to be better.
- License to Operate – hopefully most people want to conduct business in a way that is good for the broader public. Change may be necessary in the face of current sentiments toward products or services, or simply the way in which business is conducted.
Regardless of the reason(s) for the change, change rarely happens on its own. Projects can help define that reason and establish a system to deliberately implement a desired end-state.
