Different project circumstances require different approaches to ensure optimum effectiveness. As mentioned over and over again on this blog, it is the people who largely determine these circumstances, and you have to tailor your project approach to the particular situation. For this you can make use of techniques and tools from different existing methods by simply mixing and matching everything together in such a way that you brew the right Project Potion for the occasion.

Photography by Reyes.

Concocting a Project Potion consists of the following steps:

• You analyze the stakeholders and their interests and expectations (Stakeholder Analysis).
• You analyze the products (technical stuff) you have to create.
• You determine the potential risks that might exist (Risk Management).
• You create a project approach that reduces those risks, and for this you have three main tools:
  • Strategy: What are the steps taken in the project, and what are the sequence and time frame?
  • Organization: How is your project organization constructed?
  • Feedback: How is the feedback to the stakeholders on the status and content of products and processes organized?

When performing Project Potion you will feel like an alchemist that throws all kinds of liquids into a jar, mixing it up, stirring it, and creating the perfect blend, a kind of secret potion. At one time, you may need Project Potion No. 4, and on another occasion you may find yourself completely happy drinking Project Potion No. 1.