It is widely accepted that achieving success in today’s ERP/CRM projects or digital transformation initiatives heavily depends on the will and the ability of your teams to change. After all, a new software solution does not just mean a different user-interface for the end-users. It often also means new and modernised business processes, a better co-operation between departments, new ideas on how to interact with customers and the possibility to improve business insights by means of better reporting and dashboards. With all these changes it is of crucial importance to get your staff fully engaged. Not just with the software, but with the whole project. And of course also with the project goals. Here’s where the importance of the right project name comes around the corner.
Traditionally, most software projects had a top-down approach, were driven by the IT department and had a poor communication component. In hindsight, it is no big wonder that for long years end-user adoption was problematic, to say the least. Luckily, as an industry we have learned our lessons. In today’s projects, most vendors and their customers understand the importance of engaging their teams. To ask for input and good ideas. To inform them by means of professional kick-off sessions. But unfortunately, not all organisations have acknowledged that explaining the ‘why’ of the project and choosing the right project name plays a crucial role as well.
Many projects all over the world still select ‘staying in time and budget’ as their highest project goal. And no doubt – this is of course an important goal to strive for! But have you ever wondered what this goal means for your teams?
Now let’s be honest. What percentage of your team members know the exact size of your project budget? How many of them are in a position to influence this financial goal? And for how many colleagues is ‘staying within budget’ relevant for the roles? Not a very appealing target, eh?
As these projects are all about the future of your company and the relationship with your customers, you should consider making the selection of the right project name a board decision. So don’t leave that decision to your IT, Finance or Communication departments.
Connecting your strategic business and organisation goals with your next major software upgrade or new implementation project will secure the buy-in of all your team members. If you take the time to communicate and explain this well, it will give them ‘something to fight for’. And that will help you to expand the impact of this project even beyond the moment of GoLive.
