Keep the Idea Focused: Develop a Very Clear Project Statement

by Lynda Curtin, The Opportunity Thinker

The purpose of a project statement is to keep everyone focused on the specific viable idea that is being implemented. It is your guiding light for the entire project. 

Be prepared to get frustrated because of word smithing. If the team is not clear on the intent of the words used in the project statement you can run into project trouble down the line. 

A project statement contains either two or three of these components: 

1. Time – always a deadline. Be specific. State the actual date
2. End result – always include what the project is. Include a verb. After all a project is action filled
3. Cost – if it is important

Project Statement Examples: 

• Launch a new line of music delivery systems by Sept. 30^th, 2002 at a cost not to exceed $20 million.
• Install Cisco’s e-commerce platform by June 30^th, 2001 at a cost not to exceed $145,000.00.
• Purchase a company with patch delivery technology by April 30^th, 2000 with existing cash flow.
• Update the line of Children’s confections to meet the new FDA standards by August 30^th, 2000. (In this example cost may not be a factor because you might chose to spend what ever it takes to meet the new product standards by the deadline.)

Notice how simple the above project statements are? Strive for clarity and simplicity. This will help to keep people focused on what the project is about. If someone wants to add to the scope of the project when the project work is well underway ask questions: 

• “How does this request fit into the existing project?”
•  “If we do this what will be the impact on the project cost, quality and deadline?”
• “Can this be handled as a next phase?”
• “If it is such a good idea can it stand as a project on its own?”
• “Is this a critical component that was overlooked in the original project plan?”

©2002. The Opportunity Thinker. 

Lynda Curtin is an expert ideation facilitator, professional speaker, trainer and author in the fields of business creativity, marketing and speaking. To book Lynda for your event call 818-507-6055 or email info@LyndaCurtin.com For more information on her programs go to www.LyndaCurtin.com

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