How the dynamic trio of IT Project, Change and Benefits Managers can drive value out of IT projects in Ten Basic Steps - without tripping over each other.
These three pillars of IT project success are the Sponsor’s dream team when they work well together. But when they step on each others' toes, lose sight of the end game and fall out over functions, then a No Go won’t be far behind.
In my thirty years experience in IT, I’ve seen how often dysfunction stems from misunderstanding. And fully respecting the purpose of each player lies at the heart of making this three way relationship work.
In recent projects I have seen how the technical project managers struggle with getting the most from their change and benefits counterparts and vice versa. And always the root cause is failure to understand the specific activities of each and how these dovetail into an holistic approach to making every IT project a success.
This ménage a trois can only deliver project success when operating as a smart, cohesive and effective team, and with ten basic steps it doesn’t have to be hard
- Reconcile roles and responsibilities
- Agree on rules of engagement
- Validate the business case
- Define what links the benefits through change to technology
- Set and track technology triggers
- Chase change along the timeline
- Control scope creep together
- Charm stakeholders with cohesive leadership
- Manage the right risks
- Combine tools to combat conflict
You can read more about the role of the Benefits Manager at www.772consulting.com
TheBenefits Management Handbook is a comprehensive guide for project managers building their project success in collaboration with Change and Benefits Managers.
How have you coped with working in a three way management team? I would love to read your comments.
