After crossing the finish line on HER PM’s latest software implementation project, I couldn’t help but think back on the journey that got us there. It was a wild ride, full of twists and turns and lessons learned—lessons no classroom could have prepared us for.
Lesson 1: The Art of the Pivot
No matter how carefully you plan, the real world has a way of throwing curveballs. Whether it’s a last-minute change in scope or a tech hiccup, there will be a time when you have to improvise on the fly. With every implementation, there comes a time when you have to figure things out and make it work. All you can do is be as prepared as possible and be ready to make a game-time decision!
Lesson 2: Real-Time Problem Solving
There’s nothing like a “go live” deadline to work your problem-solving muscles. And challenges don’t always come packaged in the neat bundle that our textbooks and classrooms prepared us for. We’ve had to develop a talent for real-time problem-solving, trusting our instincts, and leaning on our collective experience to find solutions. As a team, we know that sometimes the best way to solve a problem is to dive in headfirst and iterate over and over ‘til you get it right.
Lesson 3: The Power of a Solid Team
If a go-live teaches you nothing else, it’s that the strength of a team is not just the sum of its parts but how those parts work together. The synergy that develops as we navigate a project’s ups and downs is critical to getting across the finish line. Everyone brings something unique to the table and when we combine those diverse strengths and perspectives, we know we’re setting the project up for success.
Lesson 4: Going All in on Adaptive Strategies
The path to go live is rarely a straight line. And that’s where we see the true power of adaptive leadership strategies. When leaders stay open to unique approaches and are willing to “get on the balcony” to see the big picture, that flexibility keeps the project moving forward, even when it seems like there’s no end in sight. It’s always a balance between planning and adapting, and every implementation tips the scales differently!
Lesson 5: Celebrating the Wins
In the day-to-day grind of making it to go live, it’s easy to lose sight of all the small victories it takes to get there. HER PM has learned to celebrate every win – from catching a minor bug to nailing a stakeholder presentation – to keep spirits up and momentum going!
Every time we nail a successful go-live, I’m so grateful to every member of the team, and for the journey we shared. So yes, momma – we made it. And we’ve got the stories, the battle scars, and the learned lessons to prove it!
