Last week, during a collaborative meeting, three Ontario Energy Collaborative Association (OECA) members shared thoughts about the importance of using project processes that deliver quality and keep projects on time and on budget.
Ian mentioned 4 things that delay execution of projects. That led to Ian, Jack, and Rick sharing thoughts about these 4 things.
Here’s a summary of our collaborative conversation:
Conflicting Priorities
Conflicting priorities arise because most people do not follow decision-making processes when they set tasks. As examples, most people –
- do not use tools like the 80/20 Rule [Pareto Principle] to prioritize work,
- do not use tools like the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize work, and
- do not force-rank task priorities.
Tactical Misalignment
Tactical alignment happens when individuals and functional groups are organized and share a common orientation. To maximize alignment, set and follow KPIs and other metrics that –
- cause people to keep the end point in mind,
- help people be accountable for their actions and outcomes, and
- guide people to make focused decisions while they execute tasks.
Lack of Resources
A lack of resources, such as insufficient staff, inadequate tools, or limited budget, significantly hinders the ability to execute work activities efficiently. These problems can cause –
- bottlenecks at crucial points like the transition from design to build,
- cutting corners that result in reduced quality and customer satisfaction, and
- increased stress, turnover, and burnout.
Lack of Specificity in Articulation of Work to be Done
When work instructions are vague or poorly articulated, team members misunderstand what is required of them. This lack of clarity leads to –
- errors, rework, and wasted effort as tasks are not completed correctly the first time,
- conflict between project team members and project contractors, and
- sustained communication shortfalls that reduce individual motivation and team unity.
If you have suggestions for more things that delay execution of projects, especially energy projects, please share/discuss them with us and we will place them in OECA’s Member Hub.
Best regards,
Ian, Jack, and Rick
[email protected] OECA Director
[email protected] OECA Director
[email protected] OECA Director
