Concrete next actions

I think a project can’t move forward on implicit loose terms.

I think everyone has just got too busy a day and too short a memory for vagueness.

I think a project needs concrete specific measurable next actions with people assigned to those actions and deadlines for each action.

Otherwise project creep sets in.

Otherwise you will be doomed to discussing the same tasks at every meeting, vowing that this week will be different.

I think the use of a deadline and an assignee is critical.

Because people fear failure and in this case not delivering on time constitutes failure in our eyes and we have the right to shame you for it (not condoning shame here, just pointing out how it often feels).

So if you want your project to escape the never ending spiral of discussing what to do next, add a bit of fear into the mix.

Namely the fear of missing a deadline and the fear of letting the team down.

Not any ole fear!