Always Review Project Success from the Stakeholders’ Point of View

It is time for the project post mortem. You thought the project was a success because you came in under budget and on time. But you are surprised to learn that some in the room felt the project came up short. What is happening here?

You probably did not consider all the stakeholders when you set out to define the goal of the project. Granted, the stakeholders may have different objectives but it is your job to include their differing points of view in the way you define the project and its goals. Stakeholders can include everyone from your customers to your coworkers. The best way to identify them is to ask three simply questions:

1.     Who will contribute resources to the project?
2.     Who will be affected by the project?
3.     Who will benefit from the project?

Then ask each of them to specifically define project success from their point of view.

It is ultimately the stakeholders who will judge the success or failure of your project. Make sure you have considered their perspectives before you even begin. Understand what they want and expect so there are no surprises at the end.

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