3 Ways to Not Run Out of Gas on Your Next Project
After many years of listening to friends extol the virtues of a ZTR (zero turn radius) mower, I finally got one. Two words: Game Changer! It cuts lines so straight, the grass is so even, and time is so saved. The only downside? It burns more gas than my previous, smaller mower. One can with my old mower would last about three mows; now, I’m fortunate to get 1 ½ mows out of my new lawn beast.
So, I’ve changed my perspective. I don’t consider my lawn “done” until I’ve gone out and refilled the gas can. Sure, it takes more time to finish the job, but those extra 15 minutes guarantee I’m not stranded half way through the next mowing, when I may be pressed for time.
“Taking the time to do these 3 things at the end of one project will make the next project so much smoother.”
Then I started thinking about projects we work on. By all appearances the project may be done, but did we refill the project gas can? Here are a few suggestions on how to keep the gas can filled, so that no one is stranded during the next project.
Compile Lessons Learned
Also known as the post mortem, <begin sarcasm> nothing is better at the end of a long project than performing an autopsy to find what went wrong </end sarcasm>. Instead, reframe the post mortem as start, stop and continue. What should we start doing on the next project, what should we stop doing, and what should continue? You’ll be glad you have this list when your next project begins.
Celebrate Success
Just as soon as one project is done, another is ready to kick off. Hit pause for just a second and take the team out to lunch, or gather them together in the breakroom for some type of awards ceremony. Somehow recognize and express appreciation for their success. Your team will be re-energized as they start out on their next project journey.
Say Thank You
There will always be people on the team or in other departments that go above and beyond to ensure project success. Be sure to thank them for their extraordinary effort. Be specific about what they did to contribute to the project, and how much you appreciate the results they generated.
Do any of the items above need to be done before you start on your next project? No. Does the can need to be filled up with gas before you start mowing again? No. But, taking the time to do these things at the end of one project will make the next project so much smoother.
And yes, I realize I can get a bigger gas can, or several, but that’s the subject of another article–about crashing a project schedule!
