Last year I remotely managed five Digital Transformation projects at the same time. Most were Global and I facilitated five Steering Committees as well. Even if I was in the office, I still managed all the projects remotely. With a decent Wi-Fi connection and a quiet place, I could have done this on a beach! Of course, this has all changed now.
The one exception was running business process mapping workshops. I prefer to do that in person, but I even manage to do that remotely now.
My career had happily led me up to that point (I am still global managing projects right now) with experiences from working at consulting companies like CGI and IBM. Now I have my own company with project best practises, templates, and methodology. I used to worry about not having the backing of an IBM behind me, but I do not anymore. I have seen incredible personal success and opportunities without the interference and politics of a large firm.
Running projects successfully remotely requires a disciplined and standardized approach. I use the same templates, communication, and style so every team has the same expectations. My most successful tool is MS Project and specifically follow dates and who is responsible for tasks each week. Everyone knows what to expect each week and is accountable.
I also do not believe in using face to face Skype or Zoom meetings. I believe in voice only and someone presenting a document with accomplishments and action items. I always present a document on a screen. And If someone talks about a great idea then they need to present it on screen. I like to see proof. Talk is cheap. Meetings with no agenda and a bunch of talking with no notes, is a colossal waste of time.
If I am asked to take over a project, I ask that we all review the architecture as a team for the first few weeks. Global projects that are rolled-out can be tricky and you can never assume that you can just copy and paste a solution. Usually all integration points need to be freshly tested or else you will fail at Go Live.
I am currently running projects 100% from home due to the Covid-19 pandemic. My hours are reduced, and I am using up my business cash flow, but I hope things will get better for you and me.
The world of work has changed forever now. Fortunately, I have proved that you can run multiple major projects remotely. I can run workshops remotely. I run multiple executive committees remotely. And I have delivered on time, budget, and scope. I still think its essential that a team can meet face to face occasionally, to create a stronger bond. When this will happen next? I do not know.
We will have many conversations soon on social distancing at work, remote work and how we can survive this and the next great pandemic. I am simply happy to be ahead of the curve.
I wish you safety, health, and happiness.
Terry Vermeylen is President of Terry Vermeylen Enterprises and owns Worldclasssupplychain.com