Imagine you’re leading a team of explorers on a voyage to a distant island. You have a clear vision: to discover this uncharted territory, map its resources, and establish a thriving settlement. But what if your crew doesn’t share this vision? What if they’re just focused on getting through the day, collecting their wages, and avoiding sea monsters? Without a shared sense of purpose, your expedition is likely to drift off course, lose momentum, and ultimately fail.

The same principle applies to project management. Every project, no matter how technical or mundane, should have a clear vision – a guiding star that aligns everyone’s efforts and inspires them to achieve a common goal.

Think of this vision as the project’s “why.” It’s the answer to the question, “Why are we doing this?” It’s the underlying purpose that gives meaning to the team’s work and motivates them to overcome challenges.

Now, let’s say you’re called in to rescue a troubled project. One of your first tasks is to assess whether the project team truly understands and embraces the project’s vision. Has the vision become blurred or forgotten over time? Has the team lost sight of the “why” behind their work?

If so, you need to re-establish that connection. Think of it like realigning the stars, reminding everyone of the guiding principles that should be shaping their decisions and actions.

This “philosophical re-baselining” is just as important as any technical or scheduling adjustments you might make. It’s about ensuring that every team member, from the developers to the testers to the project managers, understands the project’s purpose, its strategic intent, and its connection to the organization’s broader goals.

Why is this so crucial? Because every day, every team member makes decisions – big and small – within their sphere of influence. You can’t micromanage every decision, nor should you. But you can empower your team to make the right decisions by ensuring they understand the project’s overarching vision.

When everyone is aligned on the “why,” they’re more likely to:

• Make informed decisions: They’ll be able to evaluate options based on their alignment with the project’s goals, not just their immediate impact.
• Stay motivated: A shared vision provides a sense of purpose and inspires people to work towards a common goal.
• Collaborate effectively: When everyone understands the bigger picture, they’re more likely to work together effectively and avoid conflicts that arise from misaligned priorities.

So, as you embark on your project recovery mission, remember to assess not just the technical and scheduling aspects, but also the team’s understanding of the project’s vision. By realigning the stars, by ensuring everyone is guided by a shared sense of purpose, you’ll create a more motivated, focused, and ultimately successful team.