Imagine you’re a new chef taking over a struggling restaurant. The kitchen is a mess, the staff is demoralised, and the customers are grumbling. What’s the quickest way to turn things around? Whip up a few delicious appetizers, right? Something to tantalise the taste buds and show everyone that things are changing for the better.

That’s the idea behind “quick wins” in project recovery. Before you even fully dive into the complexities of a troubled project, identify a few small, achievable tasks that you can deliver within the first week. These quick wins are like those delicious appetizers – they provide a taste of success and demonstrate that you’re not just all talk.

Why are these quick wins so important?

• Building momentum: A troubled project is often plagued by inertia. People are stuck in a rut of negativity and inaction. Quick wins break that cycle and inject a much-needed dose of positive energy. They create a sense of momentum and show everyone that progress is possible.
• Restoring confidence: Clients and stakeholders are likely to be sceptical when a new Program Recovery Manager arrives. They’ve probably seen promises of improvement before, only to be disappointed. Quick wins help rebuild their confidence and demonstrate that you’re not just another empty suit.
• Gaining trust: By delivering on your promises, even small ones, you start to build trust with the team and the client. This trust is essential for fostering collaboration and getting everyone on board with your recovery plan.
• Identifying low-hanging fruit: The process of identifying quick wins forces you to take a close look at the project and identify areas where you can make an immediate impact. This can help you prioritise tasks and focus your efforts on the areas that will yield the most significant results.

So, how do you identify these magical quick wins?

• Talk to the team: The people working on the project often have valuable insights into what can be achieved quickly.
• Review existing documentation: Look for tasks that are already in progress or close to completion.
• Focus on visible results: Choose tasks that will have a tangible impact and demonstrate progress to the client.
• Don’t overpromise: Make sure the quick wins are genuinely achievable within the first week. Setting unrealistic expectations will only backfire.

By starting strong and delivering those quick wins, you set the stage for a successful project recovery. You create a positive first impression, build momentum, and demonstrate that you’re the leader who can guide the project back to success.