We have seen a lot go right and wrong over many years and many proposals. We have learned that, regardless of the type of opportunity or the size of program or target market, there are common threads – things that work well and common behaviours that trip up proposal teams. This article provides a high level overview of some of the key lessons that we have learned, with emphasis on what should be done in advance of the formal RFP release. Continue reading
Tag Archives: program management
Psychological Sleight of Hand – Part 2
In Part 1, “It’s All Your Fault”, we briefly explored current thinking on human biases and the role of optimism in human evolution. We declared that common biases, including our inherent optimism, are key contributors to our persistent inability to complete programs on time and within budget.
In this article, we identify some key actions that you can take to acknowledge, temper and compensate for common problematic human behaviours.
This is a long and detailed article – it is not a simple problem. If the contents ring true, we can help you self-assess and identify those strategies that best fit your reality.
Why should you get outside help? Because, apart from the fact that your circumstances are unique, as we noted in Part 1 you and your team carry a suitcase full of biases that impede your ability to act objectively.
Please read Part 1 before you proceed. Continue reading
Psychological Sleight of Hand – Part 1, The Optimistic Ape
Anthropologists estimate that four or five million years ago, an ape moved down from the trees and looked out of the forest across the tall swaying grasses of the Savannah. Likely driven by local climate changes and a need for food, he rose on two legs to see over the long grass. Grass that hid dangers, predators and unknowns. Others had tried to cross, with mixed and often tragic results. But he knew that he was bigger, stronger and more sure footed. And he knew that he would persevere where others had failed.
He was an optimistic ape.
Thus began a spiral of human evolution that led to better diets, higher birth rates, bigger brains and tools. His optimistic outlook, so fundamental to successful evolution, persists in us today. It is central to our ability to function, plan, conceive of new opportunities, to seize the day and make progress.
Perversely it also sets us up for persistent project overruns and schedule slippage. Continue reading