Vol 9, #3: Always Ask the Zeroth Question About Your Projects
Jan 17, 2012, ISSN: 2164-1196
Sometimes, you wonder why you are doing this project. You spend all this time on it, you're sure there isn't much value from the project, and still, the project is on the top of your manager's list.
There's a zeroth question you can ask that might help the conversation. The question is this: “Should We Do This Project at All?”
Sometimes, In the heat of the project portfolio discussion, you, your managers, whoever is discussing the project forget to ask themselves this question. Now is a good time to remember.
The Zeroth Question Clarifies the “Why” for This Project Now
Leaders need to ask this question each time they evaluate the project portfolio: “Why do we want to do this project now?” But don't limit that question to formal leadership.
If you are a technical person working on a project you don't think is worth the work, nudge your manager, “Did you ask the Zeroth question?”
Don't worry if the answer is “No.” If the project is not worth doing, stop the project and start something that is worth doing.
If the project is worth doing, great. You can make sure you have everything you need for your successful project.
That zeroth question is key to managing your personal or corporate project portfolio. It allows you to see if the project is worth your time to do or not do. And, if you are managing your personal project portfolio it helps you assess whether to do the project at all. To learn more, see Manage Your Project Portfolio.
Johanna
© 2012 Johanna Rothman