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PM Musings Navigating Projects and Road-Trip Vacations: Embracing Uncertainties and Enjoying the Journey by April Callis Birchmeier CSP, PMP, CCMP™ Happy Summer! Last year our daughter Melanie was married, we had a beautiful wedding and all the busyness that comes with such a wonderful event. One casualty of all the celebration, however, was our summer getaway. As a result, I’ve been obsessed with planning a road trip from Lansing, Michigan to Hocking Hills, Ashville, Hilton Head, and the beautiful Savannah! I couldn’t help but draw parallels between planning a vacation and navigating a change project. Both require careful planning, flexibility, and the ability to make decisions amidst uncertainties. As I continue to plan, let’s explore the fascinating similarities between managing a project and planning a road trip vacation. Buckle up for an insightful journey! The Starting Point: Setting Clear Objectives Just like any change project, a successful road trip begins with clear objectives. For my trip, the goal was to relax, explore new places, and spend quality time with my partner. In project and change management, we define the project’s scope, goals, and deliverables. Clear objectives provide direction and purpose, ensuring that everyone involved understands what success looks like. The Itinerary: Crafting a Detailed Plan Once the objectives are set, it’s time to craft an itinerary. For our road trip, we needed to plan our EV charging stops, book accommodations, and schedule activities. Similarly, in project and change management, we create a detailed project plan outlining tasks, timelines, and milestones. This plan acts as our roadmap, guiding us through the initiative lifecycle and helping us stay on track. Embracing Flexibility: Adapting to Changes No matter how meticulously we plan, uncertainties are inevitable. On a road trip, unexpected detours, weather changes, or road closures can throw a wrench in our plans. In project and change management, scope changes, resource constraints, or unforeseen risks can disrupt our progress. The key is to remain flexible and adaptable. For example, if we encounter a closed road, we can take an alternative route, discovering new places we hadn’t initially planned to visit. Decision-Making: Choosing Among Multiple Options One of the most enjoyable yet challenging aspects of both road trips and change projects is decision-making. Should we visit the quaint town of Asheville or spend more time exploring Hocking Hills? In project and change management, we often face similar dilemmas. Should we allocate more resources to a critical task or diversify our efforts across multiple activities? Decision-making requires balancing various factors, such as time, budget, and stakeholder preferences. Balancing Activities: Relaxation vs. Exploration On our road trip, we wanted to strike a balance between relaxation and exploration. Spending time in Hocking Hills was about enjoying nature’s serenity, while visiting the Biltmore Inn was a chance to indulge in luxury and history. In project and change management, we must balance activities to ensure we meet deadlines while maintaining team morale. It’s about knowing when to push hard and when to take a step back and recharge. The Value of Wandering: Leaving Everyday Life Behind Leaving everyday life to wander can be incredibly valuable. Stepping away from our usual routines allows us to gain fresh perspectives, recharge our mental batteries, and return to our work with renewed energy and creativity. Just as a road trip offers the chance to explore new landscapes and cultures, taking breaks from work helps us avoid burnout and maintain our productivity in the long run. According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, taking regular breaks can significantly enhance overall well-being and job performance. The Hazards of Not Taking a Break Ignoring the need for breaks (as we did last summer) can have detrimental effects. Prolonged periods without rest can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and even health issues. A report from the World Health Organization highlights that long working hours can increase the risk of stroke and heart disease. Pushing ourselves and teams too hard can result in mistakes, low morale, and high turnover rates. Just as a car needs fuel , a charge, and maintenance to keep running smoothly, so do we. Communication: Keeping Everyone Informed Communication is the glue that holds both road trips and projects together. Before hitting the road, my partner and I discussed our preferences, must-visit places, and any concerns about our vehicle managing such a trip. In both project and change management, regular communication with stakeholders, team members, and clients is crucial to ensure everyone is on the same page, and any issues are addressed promptly. Clear, open communication prevents misunderstandings, informs stakeholders, and fosters a collaborative environment. Reflection: Evaluating the Journey As our road trip comes to an end, we’ll reflect on our experiences, the places we visited, and the memories we created. Similarly, in project and change management, it’s essential to conduct a post-project lessons learned evaluation. What went well? What could have been improved? Reflecting on our journey allows us to learn from our experiences, celebrate successes, and identify areas for growth. The Joy of Discovery: Embracing the Unknown One of the most exhilarating aspects of both road trips and projects is the joy of discovery. On the road, we might stumble upon a hidden gem, an unplanned scenic route, or a delightful local restaurant. In project and change management, we often uncover new insights, innovative solutions, and unexpected opportunities. Embracing the unknown and being open to new experiences can lead to remarkable outcomes. Conclusion: Enjoying the Journey Whether we’re navigating a project or planning a road trip, the journey is just as important as the destination. By setting clear objectives, crafting a detailed plan, remaining flexible, making informed decisions, balancing activities, communicating effectively, and reflecting on our experiences, we can ensure a successful and enjoyable journey. I hope you found these insights helpful and inspiring. Let’s continue to share our experiences and learn from each other as we navigate the exciting worlds of project and change management. Safe travels and successful change! April Callis Birchmeier CSP, PMP, CCMP™ is a PMP, Global Guru in Organizational Culture, and Recipient of the international Change Awards – Lifetime award who implements change for government, healthcare, and corporate clients. She’s also the bestselling author of READY, Set, Change! Simplify and Accelerate Organizational Change. As a Qualified Education Provider, and PMI Training Instructor, she prepares and trains project professionals to pass the CCMP™ Certified Change Management Professional certification. |
