Predicament at every company: a year from the time the
project was conceptualized, the deal was concluded. Year-end pushed start of
the project by another month. Everyone’s patience had reached a break point;
the originally estimated project plan of 8 months was trashed with a view that
it needs to be done faster. The business wanted it done in 5, the CIO was
willing to push for 7; the vendor knew it will take 8 months realistically;
having lost time no one wanted to accept reality thus putting the project to
risk.
And that is how they got started
on a project that was beginning to lose relevance after the elapsed time since
it was identified as a business need. The project team was cobbled together
with an eclectic mix and the vendor provided his best team at that time. The compromise
plan of 6 months appeared achievable with the fine-tuned steps which required
rigor thus far unseen with the team. The CIO and the function head wanted to
stay involved but other priorities and fires competed for their attention.
Customers had embraced the new
offering of which competitors enjoyed the benefits, being early in the market. Demand
was at its peak and the company wanted to regain some of the lost ground and
recover loyal customers; so they pressed on with the effort. Like all projects
this one did not get off the ground with ease, the baggage of the delay was too
large to discard. The first fortnight saw slippage of a day which was deemed
recoverable; but by the end of the month it had stretched to three days.
The second monthly steering
committee had an uninvited guest who was pleasantly surprised to learn of the
progress made; the CEO thus complemented the team for their commitment
promising them a brighter future. With redoubled effort everyone applied
themselves to the challenge as if it was the ultimate test of their skills and
their existence depended on it. Passion hitherto unknown ran through the team
with mini celebrations marking crossing of milestones and camaraderie that had
the potential to become corporate folklore.
Moving through the project stage
gates and two months remaining, the peak appeared to be within grasp; the team
did not relax or let their guard down. Their perseverance and togetherness is
what management books profess as the secret sauce to team effectiveness. The
team was surprised by the random occurrence of the CIO and the business head
for an impromptu review and words of encouragement; little did they know the
deliberate design between the two to let the team discover their formula for
success while they kept a watchful eye.
Finishing touches to the offering
is what remained with two weeks to launch, cross checking and verifying
results. The tension in the air was palpable, excitement infectious, the team
bonding complete in their quest for glory. A couple of members had left
traversing the tough terrain unable to take the pressure, few were eased out
with their unwillingness to change polluting the team. There was no bitterness
for these colleagues, the focus unwavering; other parts of the organization
were taking notice of the magic.
Success was declared with one day
to spare much to the delight of the team who had forgotten to breathe in their commitment
to deliver. Everyone heaved a sigh of relief, congratulatory messages poured in
from across the enterprise, the CIO put the team in front to receive the truly
deserved accolades. The vendor had never experienced success of this type and was
animatedly excited backslapping everyone around. The CEO and the Board commended
the commitment and leadership of the two believers.
While decision delays on project
initiation are normal, the recovery and delivery on committed time with quality
is a rare occurrence. Over the last three decades in corporate life and sports,
I have observed consistently winning teams’ exhibit synergistic and symbiotic
relationship between team members, accepting diversity and complementary skills.
They stay cohesive with invisible leadership thus giving opportunity to each
team member to take charge as the situation changes discounting hierarchies and
titles.
Have you experienced such magic
before ? Share your story …
No comments:
Post a Comment