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The How2-Change Reality Check® Approach: Ensuring Business Transformation Project Success
In today’s fast-paced business environment, organisations frequently embark on ambitious projects to drive growth and innovation without even considering any form of Change Health Check
However, a persistent challenge plagues many of these initiatives: projects that overrun timelines, overspend budgets, and underdeliver on promised outcomes.
This issue affects businesses of all sizes across various sectors, with significant consequences for financial performance, stakeholder satisfaction, and competitive positioning.
Recent studies reveal that only 37% of business transformation projects are completed within their initial approved budget, dropping to 33% for larger companies with over £1 billion in revenue.
These statistics underscore the urgent need for effective project management strategies. Common factors contributing to project failures include scope creep, inaccurate estimations, unclear objectives, inadequate resource management, poor communication, and insufficient risk management.
The consequences extend beyond immediate financial losses, impacting an organisation’s reputation, employee morale, and future prospects.
By adopting How2-Change Reality Check®, organisations can dramatically improve their project management success rates, delivering value to stakeholders and maintaining a competitive edge in their industries.
For C-level executives, investment directors, operating partners, and non-executive directors, investing in robust project management practices is not just about avoiding failures; it’s about unlocking the full potential of strategic initiatives and ensuring long-term business success.
The How2-Change Reality Check® approach offers a proven path to achieving this mastery, enabling businesses to turn their strategic visions into tangible, successful outcomes. Whereas a typical Change Health Check may be a reaction to an anxiety that all is not well, our How2-Change Reality Check® is proactive and sets up your initiatives for success.
What we cover:
Stakeholder Engagement Rigorous Scoping Realistic planning Risk Assessment Resource Allocation Cost Estimation Benefits Estimation Change EvaluationUsing your initial brief as a base, we’ll meet with you to dig a little deeper and to agree a schedule for our activity and book in our review meeting with you. We believe that the answers always lie within our clients’ organisations, so that’s where we look. After all, your people have the knowledge, skills and experience. We simply plug in our Change Project Management methodology.
We then run a series of short meetings with an agreed list of key stakeholders to understand their perspectives. It also gives us an idea of their perception of any opportunities or challenges, and their motivations regarding the proposed change(s). We challenge as appropriate, and seek supporting collateral to review during our Change Project Management health checks.
We then work hard to turn all the information and documentation into the foundations which set your Business Transformation Project Management up for success. These ensure a consistent, accurate and complete understanding of your proposed Change so that you can make informed decisions confidently.
We’ll then meet you to play back our findings, discuss options and recommendations. Where appropriate, because of capability or capacity gaps, we will have pre-screened suitable and available candidates (without disclosing your company name) so that we can present you with options to resource your implementation. Better still, we don’t charge clients a margin for our specialist change project management resource.
We’ve found that the relatively small investment of time and money pays for itself many times over as your Change can be quickly mobilised. For in-flight projects, we apply our findings and agreed recommendations to course correction.
Why not have a read of some of our Insights, or browse our Case Studies?
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Further context and information on the How2-Change Reality Check® below
Our approach to Change Project Management can yield startling results – and not just at the project level. In one case, the initial investment of 20 days in the How2-Change Reality Check® enabled a client to claw back 40% of the consideration (purchase price) and enhanced the scope of the transaction as we unearthed some discrepancies in the due diligence, which were going to create operational issues and needed to be addressed.
More case studies
Want to change the game and deliver breakthrough Change Management results?
Want to change the game and deliver breakthrough Change Management results?
Beginning in the wrong way can be more damaging than delaying it and beginning it later.
Mastering Change Project Management: A Deep Dive into the How2-Change Reality Check® Methodology
In an era where change is the only constant, mastering the art and science of project management is not just a competitive advantage. It’s a necessity for survival and success.
The How2-Change Reality Check® approach offers a comprehensive framework for organisations to transform their project management practices and achieve consistently successful outcomes.
Understanding the Impact of Project Overruns
The consequences of project overruns extend far beyond the immediate financial implications. Let’s explore the multifaceted impact on organisations:
Financial Strain
Cost overruns directly impact a company’s bottom line, potentially eroding profits and diverting resources from other critical initiatives. In some cases, project overruns can lead to significant financial distress, particularly for smaller organisations or those operating in highly competitive markets.
Delayed Benefits Realisation
When projects are delayed, organisations miss out on the anticipated benefits, whether that’s increased revenue, improved efficiency, or enhanced competitive positioning. This delay can have a cascading effect on other strategic initiatives and overall business performance.
Stakeholder Dissatisfaction
Overruns can strain relationships with clients, investors, and other stakeholders, potentially damaging trust and future business opportunities. In today’s interconnected business world, reputational damage can spread quickly, affecting an organisation’s ability to secure future contracts or partnerships.
Employee Morale
Consistently failing to deliver projects on time and within budget can demoralise teams, leading to decreased productivity and increased turnover. High-performing employees may seek opportunities elsewhere if they feel their efforts are consistently undermined by poor project management practices.
Opportunity Costs
Resources tied up in overrunning projects are unavailable for other potentially valuable initiatives, limiting an organisation’s ability to innovate and grow. This opportunity cost can be particularly damaging in fast-moving industries where agility and innovation are key competitive differentiators.
Implementing the How2-Change Reality Check® Approach
Adopting the How2-Change Reality Check® methodology requires a shift in organisational culture and practices. Here’s a detailed look at how to begin:
Executive Sponsorship
Secure buy-in from top leadership to drive the adoption of new change project management practices across the organisation. This commitment should be visible and sustained, with executives actively championing the new approach and allocating necessary resources.
Training and Development
Invest in comprehensive training programmes to equip project managers and team members with the skills and knowledge needed to implement the How2-Change Reality Check® approach effectively. This may include formal certifications, workshops, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
Tools and Technology
Leverage project management software and analytics tools that support real-time monitoring, resource allocation, and risk management. Choose solutions that integrate well with existing systems and provide user-friendly interfaces to encourage adoption across the organisation.
Cultural Shift
Foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement. Encourage teams to speak up about potential issues early and often, and create an environment where constructive feedback is valued and acted upon.
Case Studies: Success in Action
Several organisations have benefited from the How2-Change Reality Check® principles to transform their success from project based activity.
The Future of Project Management
As businesses continue to navigate an increasingly complex and uncertain environment, the importance of effective project management cannot be overstated.
The How2-Change Reality Check® approach offers a framework for adapting to these challenges, but it’s not a static solution. Organisations must remain committed to continuous improvement, embracing new technologies and methodologies as they emerge.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
AI and ML are poised to revolutionise project management, offering more accurate predictions and automated decision-making support. These technologies can analyse vast amounts of historical project data to identify patterns and potential risks, enabling more precise planning and resource allocation.
Remote and Distributed Teams
The rise of remote work is changing how projects are managed, requiring new tools and practices for collaboration and oversight. Project managers must adapt to leading virtual teams, ensuring clear communication and maintaining team cohesion across different time zones and cultures.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The challenge of project overruns is significant, but it’s not insurmountable. By adopting the How2-Change Reality Check® approach, organisations can dramatically improve their project success rates, delivering value to stakeholders and maintaining a competitive edge in their industries.
For C-level executives, investment directors, operating partners, and non-executive directors, the message is clear: investing in robust project management practices is not just about avoiding failures; it’s about unlocking the full potential of your organisation’s strategic initiatives.
Take the time to assess your current project management practices. Are they delivering the results you need?
If not, consider how the How2-Change Reality Check® methodology could transform your approach.
The journey to project management excellence may be challenging, but the rewards—in terms of financial performance, stakeholder satisfaction, and competitive advantage—are well worth the effort.
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, organisations that master the art of project delivery will be best positioned to thrive.
The How2-Change Reality Check® approach offers a proven path to achieving this mastery, enabling businesses to turn their strategic visions into tangible, successful outcomes.
