Build Project Support First!

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Build Project Support First!
An often overlooked fast path to failure of any major project is to not (properly) assess the support for the project beforehand (using Force Field Analysis or Stakeholder Analysis or similar), or to neglect to act upon it before kicking off the project (if the restraining forces for the project are bigger then the driving forces).
Don't let your sense of urgency fool you, and do not assume you can always build the support later on.

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		Paolo, Italy
	1 Rushing Into Project Brings no Results I agree with you Guus, having experienced this the hard way. In the past, I allowed the urgency of a particularly important project in the organization to influence me too much. I managed the project in a hurrying style. But overrushing turns agains you, because after some initial succeses you will find yourself the only one pushing forward, while the rest of the organization is actually pulling you and your project back.

		Sharon Zeilstra, USA
	1 Ensure Stakeholder Buy-in and Project Support I think the most important gauges of project success are communications and stakeholder buy-in. Regardless of the software tools and tables, charts and schedules we maintain, nothing else will result in true success for the team. The stakeholders and staff directly affected must willingly embrace and implement the necessary changes in their process and flow.

		Klaver Project Manager, Netherlands
	1 Creating Sufficient Project Support Guus, I also agree with you. It is paramount to communicate with all parties involved and try to analyse where they stand (support the project, neutral, opposed). By communicating with all members involved (BUS = Business, Users, Suppliers) from the start you will get a clearer picture on how much resistance you may encounter.

		Jaap de Jonge Editor, Netherlands
	2 7 Reasons Why is it Necessary to Start with Building Project Support First Agreed! Starting by building project support (including creating a sense of urgency) is essential for at least 7 reasons, all of which contribute to the success and smooth execution of a project. Here's why it’s so crucial: SECURES RESOURCES: Projects often require considerable resources, such as budget, personnel, and tools. Gaining support early ensures you have those resources you need to move forward and that those resources will be committed when the time comes. MITIGATES RESISTANCE: Without early buy-in from key stakeholders, you may face opposition as the project progresses. Building support upfront helps minimize resistance from individuals or groups who might otherwise be skeptical or uninterested in the project. ALIGNS STAKEHOLDER INTERESTS: Every project involves different stakeholders with potentially conflicting interests. Gaining support early allows you to understand and address these varying interests, helping to align everyone towards a common goal, which can prevent future disagreements. IMPROVES DECISION-MAKING: Early support from stakeholders means you have more input from people who have a vested interest in the success of the project. This feedback can be invaluable for making informed decisions and adapting the project plan as needed. INCREASES MOTIVATION: When stakeholders, team members, or partners believe in the project and feel involved from the outset, they are more motivated to contribute their time and energy. This sense of shared purpose and ownership drives enthusiasm and commitment. REDUCES RISK OF FAILURE: Building support creates a solid foundation for the project, ensuring that critical decisions and actions are taken with the collective knowledge and backing of those involved. This significantly reduces the risk of the project failing due to misunderstandings, lack of resources, or misalignment. BOOSTS CREDIBILITY AND TRUST: When project leaders take the time to involve and gain support from others, they demonstrate credibility and build trust with stakeholders. This can help foster a cooperative environment and encourage transparency throughout the project's lifecycle. By prioritizing the creation of strong support networks very early on, you create a smoother path for the project to succeed and avoid common pitfalls like lack of resources, poor collaboration, or an internal conflict. See for a more generic explanation of the need to 1. Create a sense of urgency and 2. Build and maintain a guiding coalition the 8 Change Phases by Kotter as well as Kotter's New 8 Accelerators for Strategic Change.