The Value of a Structured Programmatic Approach: A Perspective
In the dynamic world of business, the debate over the effectiveness of a structured programmatic approach is ongoing.
While many organisations swear by the benefits of a structured programmatic approach, it’s important to acknowledge that not all clients are convinced of its value. This scepticism can stem from various factors, including past experiences, industry norms, and individual business philosophies. Our colleague – Peter Gleadow – discusses this further.
Understanding the Scepticism
1. Past Experiences: Clients who have had negative experiences with rigid structures may be wary of adopting a programmatic approach. They might have encountered inflexible systems that failed to adapt to their unique needs, leading to suboptimal outcomes.
2. Industry Norms: In certain industries, a more flexible, ad-hoc approach is the norm. Clients from these sectors may view structured programmes as overly bureaucratic and slow to respond to market changes. It’s certainly true that over-application of structure can add unnecessary complexity to relatively straightforward activities.
3. Individual Business Philosophies: Some business leaders believe in the power of intuition and agility over structured processes. They may prioritise quick decision-making and adaptability, fearing that a structured approach could stifle innovation and responsiveness. A sensible balance is required between risk mitigation and undue optimism, and this balance needs to be informed by a subjective view of the work in hand.
The Case for Structure
Despite these reservations, a structured programmatic approach offers several compelling advantages:
1. Consistency and Predictability: Structured programmes provide a clear framework for operations, ensuring consistency and predictability. This can be particularly beneficial in complex projects where coordination and alignment are crucial. A proven structured approach can also lead to more efficient use of resources through focusing on effective activities, and less time spent inventing wheels which already exist or are not required.
2. Scalability: A well-defined programmatic approach can be scaled more easily than ad-hoc methods. As businesses grow, having a structured system in place can facilitate smoother expansion and integration.
3. Measurable Outcomes: Structured approaches often come with built-in metrics and evaluation mechanisms. This allows for better tracking of progress and outcomes, making it easier to identify areas for improvement and demonstrate value to stakeholders.
4. Risk Management: By following a structured approach, businesses can better anticipate and mitigate risks. Standardised procedures and protocols help in identifying potential issues early and addressing them proactively. Equally, they can embed lessons learned and avoid the repetition of previous mistakes.
Bridging the Gap
To address client scepticism, it’s essential to communicate the benefits of a structured programmatic approach effectively. Here are some strategies:
1. Tailored Solutions: Emphasise that a structured approach doesn’t mean one-size-fits-all. Programmes can be tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of each client, offering flexibility within a structured framework.
2. Success Stories: Share case studies and success stories that highlight the positive impact of structured approaches. Real-world examples can help clients see the tangible benefits and potential for their own business.
3. Collaborative Planning: Involve clients in the planning process to ensure their concerns and preferences are addressed. Collaborative planning fosters a sense of ownership and can help build trust in the structured approach.
Conclusion
While not all clients may initially believe in the value of a structured programmatic approach, it’s important to understand their concerns and address them thoughtfully. By demonstrating flexibility, showcasing success stories, and involving clients in the process, businesses can bridge the gap and help clients appreciate the benefits of a structured approach. Ultimately, the goal is to find a balance that leverages the strengths of structure while remaining responsive to the unique needs of each client.
Here’s a couple of interesting examples
1. Marketing Campaign Success: A mid-sized B2B technology firm was initially sceptical about adopting a structured marketing approach. They had always relied on spontaneous, ad-hoc campaigns based on gut feelings and immediate trends. However, after a particularly chaotic product launch with mixed results, they decided to try a structured approach for their next major campaign. By implementing a detailed plan with clear objectives, timelines, and metrics for success, they were able to coordinate their efforts more effectively. The result was a significant increase in lead generation and conversion rates, far exceeding their previous ad-hoc campaigns. This success led to an epiphany for the company management, who realised that the structured approach not only provided better results but also reduced stress and confusion among their team. It goes to show that a structured approach doesn’t have to stifle creativity.
2. Project Management in IT: An IT services company had a history of project overruns and client dissatisfaction due to their informal project management style. They decided to adopt a structured project management framework, in this case PRINCE2, for a critical client project. Initially, there was resistance from the team, who felt the new approach was too rigid. However, as the project progressed, they noticed that the structured approach helped in clearly defining roles, responsibilities, and deliverables. This led to improved communication, timely completion of tasks, and ultimately, a successful project delivery. The client was impressed with the efficiency and quality of the work, leading to more business opportunities. The team, realised that the structured approach provided a clear roadmap and mitigated many of the issues they previously faced.
Additional Reading
Executing Your Strategy: How to Break It Down and Get It Done. Morgan, M., Levitt, R.E., and Malek, W.A.. Harvard Business Review Press, 2008. This book offers practical insights into how organisations can effectively execute their strategies through structured project and programme management.
Mastering the Leadership Role in Project Management: Practices that Deliver Remarkable Results. Laufer, A.: FT Press. 2012. This book explores the leadership aspects of project management, focusing on practices that lead to successful project outcomes.
Becoming a Project Leader: Blending Planning, Agility, Resilience, and Collaboration to Deliver Successful Projects. Laufer, A., Little, T., Russell, J., and Maas, B.. Palgrave Macmillan Cham. 2017. This resource emphasises the importance of combining structured planning with agility and collaboration to achieve project success.
The Three Elements You Need For Successful Change: Vision and Plan, Structure, and People.
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And a final thought
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