Sure Path for Enabling Solutions to Known Issues
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| Freedom from
Project Surprises Newsletter - Issue #56 |
December 2009 |
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| I will bet there is
something bugging you about how project execution is going in your
group; in
fact it's probably been an issue for quite a while now. A solution has
not been
implemented, although you would welcome the day the problem was gone.
There's
been plenty of candid discussion about this issue - in meetings, over
lunch, at
happy hour and quick hallway chats. How long can the discussions
continue
before a decision to take targeted action towards a solution becomes
obvious?
This month will be on the subject of solutions.
Jeff Jorvig, IC NPD Coach
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News of Interest to New Product
Development Teams
Leadership Quote of the month:
"One of the
true tests of leadership is the ability to recognize a problem before
it becomes an emergency."
-- Arnold H. Glasow |
Enabling the Decision to
Invest in a Solution
At what point does an organization decide that the time is
right to solve a systemic issue with new product execution? This will
only
occur at the point where the perception of the benefit in making a
change is
considerably greater than keeping things as they are. Perception of
cost vs.
benefit is the vital decision factor required to tip the scale in favor
of
investing in a solution. This is true for any product development
barrier -
tools, flows, organizational structure, processes or procedures.
Building momentum towards a decision to take substantial
action against an ongoing barrier is as simple as turning the problem
into one
of financial impact.  If the cost of ignoring a
known product development obstacle
is presented in terms of lost revenue opportunity, a stronger case for
action
will result. Link the need for eliminating a known execution difficulty
to the
impact on money (sooner or more) and gain the support required for a
decision to
invest in a solution.
A justification built around touchy feely advantages such as
efficiency or productivity is weak, and reaching a decision to proceed
will be
like pushing a rope. The reality is that problems in need of solutions
can drag
on for years without a well-constructed financial benefit rationale. If
there
is an obstacle that has been a long-term issue, consider that the case
for
fixing it may not have been presented with the proper business impact.
How long can problem discussions continue
before a decision to take action towards a solution becomes obvious?
Without
financial impact as motivation, it could be forever. If a monetary case
isn't
built in support of action for resolving a new product delivery
concern, then
the perception that it's not a bona fide business problem will
continue. The
solution, no matter how sound, will likely remain buried for a long
time.
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| Solution
Strategies
I have a long held belief that any solution is
only as good
as the buy-in of the team. A weakly supported outcome is really not a
resolution
at all. For successful fixes that hold the test of time it is essential
that
the team affected be part of the process. I suggest also including
those who
will be least desirable to involve, as they will bring a healthy
balance to the
problem.
Migrating from problem to solution - when considering
solving a known project execution obstacle, what avenues for resolution
should
be considered? Below you will find my most successful approaches.
Brainstorming
This is an old tried and true method that is a good way to
get options on the table. It works well, assuming a facilitator well
versed in
the brainstorming process. Don't get bogged down with tools for this,
good old
sticky notes (large) work great to capture and organize concepts.
Interviews
This one is not used very often, although it frequently
provides some fascinating insight into the issue and possible
solutions. The
facilitator must be prepared with well thought out questions that
target
uncovering root cause and ideas for fixes. The environment for the one
on one
discussion must be one that ensures any barriers to open discussion are
minimized.
Outside Assistance
Consider having someone knowledgeable from outside the
organization participate in the resolution process to bring a fresh
perspective. Often, being too close to the problem stymies the big
picture view
that can bring unforeseen solutions to the table.
My short rule
for successful solutions:
Inclusion over exclusion of people, broad participation and an open
atmosphere
that focuses on the solutions, not bemoaning the problem.
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| How I
can Help
"Providing solutions to the systemic project challenges that
quietly steal early revenue opportunity"
- Discovery
& Solution - Do
you need to find and remove the the barriers to a predictable and
streamlined new product flow? Maybe you need to understand the history
of past failed project activities. Our Discovery & Solution
services provide the results you need.
- Requirements
workshops
- I will facilitate the timely closure of a high quality set of
requirements for a specific product. If you have a complicated project
where requirements closure is critical, this would be an ideal
candidate for a workshop. More information can be found here.
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Design
services - Digital & analog IC design, PC Board Design,
Firmware.
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NPD Flow
Management - Web based best practices, flow, task, deliverable
& monitoring of the project portfolio. Details here.
-
Register
Management - Tool
for synchronization of register information between hardware, firmware,
validation and documentation. Delivers the RTL code, verification code
and documentation for common or custom bus interfaces.
-
NPD team one day workshop to improve planning, execution and monitoring skills for
design projects.
- Ready made downloads:
schedule, checklist, analog design guide.
- Increase management bandwidth via Virtual Design Manager.
- Full listing of common services here.
Contact me today via email, 480-895-0478 or
877-895-0478 |
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Feedback
To increase the value of this newsletter for you I would like
to hear your comments.
- What do you like or not like about this
newsletter?
- What subjects would you like to see covered in
the future?
- How is the format?
- Ask me a question related to new product
development and I will anonymously post and answer it here in this
section.
Please email me here with any questions,
comments or suggestions that will help me better serve my readers. I
would enjoy hearing from you.
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