Imagine you’re a firefighter responding to a raging inferno. You wouldn’t just leap off the truck and charge into the flames, would you? You’d first assess the situation, gather intel, and make sure you have the right equipment and support.

The same principle applies to Program Recovery. Before you set foot on-site, you need to do your homework and prepare for the challenges ahead. Think of it as your pre-flight checklist, ensuring you have everything you need for a successful mission.

1. Gather Intelligence:

Just like a detective investigating a case, you need to gather as much information as possible before you arrive on the scene. This includes:

• Reviewing the contract: Understand the project’s objectives, scope, and deliverables.
• Analysing past quality assessments and status reports: Identify recurring issues, red flags, and potential risks.
• Conducting interviews with key stakeholders: Gather perspectives from the project team, the client, and any other relevant parties.

This pre-engagement intelligence gathering will help you understand the lay of the land and identify the key challenges you’ll be facing.

2. Define Your Role and Authority:

Before you step into the fray, it’s crucial to clarify your role and authority. Are you there to take charge and make decisions, or are you simply a consultant offering advice?

This clarity is essential for several reasons:

• Setting expectations: It allows you to set clear expectations with the client and the project team about your involvement and decision-making power.
• Avoiding confusion and conflict: It prevents confusion and potential conflicts down the line by establishing clear lines of authority.
• Empowering you to act decisively: Knowing the boundaries of your authority allows you to act decisively and confidently when needed.

3. Establish Clear Exit Criteria:

How will you know when the project is back on track? What are the signs of successful recovery? Defining clear exit criteria is essential for measuring progress and determining when your job is done.

4. Address Administrative Details:

Don’t underestimate the importance of administrative preparation. Ensure you have all the necessary access permissions, IT resources, and logistical support in place before you arrive on-site. This will prevent unnecessary delays and distractions once you’re in the thick of things.

5. Plan Your First Steps:

Based on the information you’ve gathered, outline your initial actions and priorities. What are the “quick wins” you can achieve to demonstrate immediate progress and build confidence? What are the critical conversations you need to have? Having a clear plan for your first few days on-site will help you hit the ground running and make a positive impact from the start.

By meticulously following this pre-flight checklist, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the challenges of Program Recovery, ensuring a smoother take-off and a successful flight to project completion.