Ten Steps to Project Success

While we're on Top 10 lists, here's a good list of Ten Steps to Project Success, from Jo A. Boettcher at Project KickStart.

About the only thing I'd alter slightly is step #9, which proposes that we gain consensus from all stakeholders before making decisions. I'd alter it to say to gain input from all stakeholders before making decisions.

If we wait for total consensus, we could get derailed. It's critical to solicit input and attempt to cater to the majority, but ultimately we as leaders need to make the final decision (at least with backing from the sponsor). We just need to realize that any decision that goes against the majority must be made with good reason and would be done at a very high risk.

Neal Whitten talks about the need for "input" versus "consensus" in his most recent book, and I have a section on that very thing in my book. I'm in complete agreement with Neal on that point.

Aside from that minor alteration, this is a worthy list of steps.

Ten Steps to Project Success