Have you ever noticed that in almost all the projects that companies roll out, there is not a set of core values?
What do I mean by core values?
You probably have core values for your company as part of your mission statement, but not for your project. When you have core values for your project, it gives you, your teammates, and your leaders a sense of direction and understanding of why the project is important. These values give the project a sense of purpose, a reason to exist.
Think about the projects going on around you. Do you know why they exist? Are people
excited about being involved? Do you know the value that the project provides? My guess is your answer is no. That’s because there is not a clear and consistent message for people to rally around.
So how do you start?
It’s simple – have your team start by writing down three or four words that state what you are trying to do. These should be words that help bring value and purpose to the team.
For example, if you’re rolling out an enterprise asset management system you can start with words like enable, help, reliable. These words will help people remember why they are putting their time and talents into this endeavor.
When you put these words together, you get a simple mission statement and set of core values that motivate and drive your team to success.
When we roll out an EAM implementation, we often name the project PRIDE, which stands for “People Really Involved in Delivering Excellence.” It’s a simple and straightforward word for people to remember, and it helps the team keep focused on the end goal.
Next time you start a project, don’t forget your core values!
Until next time…I’m Marty, make every minute count.
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