The innovation-focused PM

I enjoy watching the power of innovation in project management. Innovation-focused project managers are better equipped to navigate challenges, drive success, and deliver exceptional results. Here are a few key strategies that help project managers foster innovation while managing projects.

Treat projects like growth opportunities. With a focus on continuing improvement, every project becomes an opportunity to learn – as an organization and as individuals. Encourage the team to view challenges as opportunities for growth. This is a critical approach when a problem creates frustration. A growth mindset fosters a culture where team members feel empowered to take calculated risks and explore new ideas. This not only leads to innovative solutions but also builds resilience and adaptability. Remember, a failed attempt at a solution is positive if each approach you attempt leads to a degree of learning. That is the core of a growth mindset!

Promote problem-solving as an exploration. A barrier to innovation is the lack of time and resources dedicated to creative thinking. Include thinking and problem-solving time in project schedules. There are two options based on what works best in the organization. Define problem-solving tasks or consider problem-solving part of a contingency item in your schedule. Doing so allows time for your team to brainstorm and explore new concepts. By providing this space, you signal your team that innovation is a priority and encourage them to think beyond conventional solutions.

Foster cross-team collaboration. Innovation thrives when people from different disciplines and perspectives work together. Encourage collaboration between team members with diverse backgrounds and skill sets. The pool of ideas that result can lead to unique insights and innovative approaches to problem-solving. When taking this approach, ensure team members have access to tools that facilitate seamless communication and idea-sharing, especially when the team is dispersed.

Apply customized project methodologies. Traditional project management methodologies can stifle innovation when treated as “the way” to deliver a project. Agile or hybrid frameworks allow for flexibility and iterative approaches to project execution. The core of these approaches, utilizing continuous feedback, rapid prototyping, and the ability to pivot quickly, promotes innovation. By embracing these frameworks, you create an environment more conducive to innovation and responsive to change. Examine each project as unique and customize the methodology that best suits project objectives.

Seek out and believe the data! Gather and analyze any data on project performance, resource allocation, and team productivity in the organization. If little or no data is recorded, talk to people who have delivered projects in the past. Learn whatever you can. This data and experience-driven approach allows you to identify areas for improvement, make informed decisions, and implement innovative solutions based on empirical evidence. Don’t discard perspectives that may disagree with your own. Everyone’s “truth” is valid and should be considered when moving forward with a project, particularly one requiring innovative approaches.

Note: Reading this, you may think, “My organization doesn’t think like this at all; I can never do this!” Possibly so, but if you ever hear a complaint that your organization isn’t creative or doesn’t take advantage of new things…then you have an opening to discuss the concepts discussed in this article!