What Feedback Processes Improve Project Execution?
Productivity Advice
What Feedback Processes Improve Project Execution?
Exploring how feedback processes can be pivotal in enhancing project execution, we've gathered insights from six professionals, including Project Engineers and Founders. From incorporating feedback at project milestones to fostering collaboration with weekly reviews, these experts reveal how specific feedback mechanisms have transformed their teams' performance.
- Incorporate Feedback at Milestones
- Shadow Collaboration Enhances Innovation
- Restructure Leadership Through Feedback
- Implement Short, Frequent Feedback Loops
- Continuous Feedback Improves Project Lifecycle
- Weekly Reviews Foster Collaboration and Improvement
Incorporate Feedback at Milestones
At PPM Express, we have a clear feedback process where team members give their input at every project milestone. We make sure to write down all good ideas and suggestions, even those we can't use right away, and add them to our backlog directly in the project dashboard. This method helps us quickly adapt and improve our work in areas like marketing and development, and also lets us come back to valuable ideas later, making our projects more effective overall.
Shadow Collaboration Enhances Innovation
We initiated a 'Shadow Collaboration' process where team members randomly paired up to observe and provide feedback on each other's work. This unique approach ensured that every team member had fresh eyes on their tasks, leading to improved problem-solving and innovation. It not only enhanced our project execution but also fostered a culture of continuous improvement. This exclusive strategy became a game-changer in our team's dynamics, making us more efficient and adaptable in delivering successful projects.
Restructure Leadership Through Feedback
As a partner at a recruiting firm, I expect workers to come to me with issues arising at any point in a project's process, and I don't mind involving myself in day-to-day tasks. I pride myself on a hands-on approach.
But recently, a team member suggested that my interventions sometimes upended the existing hierarchy on the floor. I had to admit I saw their point. Having an owner, CEO, or manager step in can undermine the existing team leadership and ultimately make group cohesion more difficult in the long term.
Because of their feedback, I took a step back and stopped interfering. The result was a more competent team where on-floor leadership was defined, effective, and appreciated.
Implement Short, Frequent Feedback Loops
Feedback loops are crucial in software development. In our SaaS team, as software creation is an empirical process, we establish multiple interim checkpoints. These checkpoints help us ensure that what we're developing aligns with our customers' needs. During development, it's easy to overlook the time and money wasted due to poor specifications or not sharing progress with customers. This waste, although sometimes not immediately apparent, has real costs. We often end up spending more time and resources than necessary. However, with smart strategies, we can avoid such losses and meet our customers' expectations.
That's why we incorporate various types of feedback loops into our development process. The fundamental principle of any feedback loop is to make it frequent and short!
Continuous Feedback Improves Project Lifecycle
The introduction of a continuous feedback process significantly improved project execution within our team. Traditionally, feedback was mainly provided at the end of a project, which occasionally led to the discovery of issues that could have been identified earlier. We changed this by implementing regular check-ins and feedback sessions throughout the lifecycle of the project.
For example, during the implementation of a new cybersecurity framework for a client, our team held daily feedback sessions. These were informal, allowing team members to discuss the day's work, share challenges, and brainstorm solutions. We coupled this with more formal weekly project reviews with stakeholders, which facilitated open, cross-functional communication.
This continuous feedback process enabled us to catch potential issues early, adapt plans proactively, and ensure alignment and learning among team members. The result was a smooth and efficient project execution, improving both the project outcomes and team performance. The process also fostered a culture of open communication and collective problem-solving, enhancing overall team collaboration.
Weekly Reviews Foster Collaboration and Improvement
We started using a weekly project review meeting where everyone, from the agents in the field to our administrative staff, got a chance to share their thoughts and experiences. It created a space for open communication and allowed us to address challenges promptly.
In those meetings, team members would discuss what went well, what could be improved, and any hurdles they faced. We took this feedback seriously and incorporated actionable solutions. For instance, when agents found that a certain paperwork process was cumbersome, we streamlined it to save time. When clients mentioned they wanted more personalized updates, we revamped our communication strategy.
A more agile and responsive team emerged, and projects started running like a well-oiled machine. The real magic was in the fact that everyone felt heard and valued. It wasn't just about improving project execution; it was about fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. The ripple effect was tremendous, boosting morale and, of course, enhancing our overall performance.
