How to ensure that your technology projects are successful.

1. Anatomy of a successful project or “How to shoot a basketball”

2. It all starts with preparation

3. You need a firm foundation Answer the question “Does it make sense to invest?” Commit Resources People Time Money Define a clear route to success Key to Success: A business vision goes a long way to making a technology business case Bend your legs and square your body to the basket

4. Form is everything Create a plan Execute the plan Revise Use the Plan! Key to Success: A plan is a tool to get you to “done”. Does yours help or hinder? Elbow bent and parallel with your body

5. Always keep track of the goal Team members always have their sites on the same unified goal The goal should be clearly marked and if someone is shooting at the sidelines it should be obvious Key to success: The goal of your project should be so clear that any team member can repeat it back to you in their own words. Move your arm up while extending your elbow

6. Follow through DWYSYWD Manage the Investment Hold the project team accountable Key to success: A project sponsor should dedicate 10 hours a week to a project at a MINIMUM. Reach into the cookie jar on the top shelf

7. Anticipate the hurdles and alter your shot Resource Conflicts Scope Creep Budget Mgmt Project Expectations Key to Success: Make good trade-offs. Something will have to be sacrificed to finish the project, make sure it’s the right thing. There will always be a great defender waiting to block your shot, don’t be afraid to alter it on the way up

8. Stakes are high! We make limited significant investments - make every shot count We need your best performers on the team Backfill for them Technology projects can be your agent of change If and only if you choose to use it Key to success: Assume your people will be engaged on a project twice as long as you originally expected.