Assess Your Workstream
Assess Your Workstream
What is a Managed Workstream
Managed workstreams refer to the coordination and alignment of multiple interconnected streams of work (workstreams) within a project or organizational key initiative. Instead of treating each workstream as separate and independent entities, integrated workstreams recognize the interdependencies and connections between them, aiming to optimize efficiency, collaboration, and overall project success and growth.
Key features of managed workstreams include:
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Interconnectedness: Integrated and managed workstreams recognize that various aspects of a project or initiative are interconnected and impact each other. For example, changes in one workstream may affect timelines, resources, or deliverables in other workstreams.
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Collaboration: Remote Teams working on different workstreams collaborate closely to ensure alignment of goals, priorities, and deliverables. Effective communication channels are established to facilitate information sharing, coordination, and problem-solving across workstreams.
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Resource Sharing: Managed workstreams may share resources such as personnel, tools, or data to optimize resource utilization and minimize duplication of efforts. Cross-functional teams may be formed to address challenges or opportunities that span multiple workstreams.
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Alignment with Overall Objectives: Each workstream within the integrated framework is aligned with the overarching objectives and goals of the project or initiative. This ensures that individual efforts contribute to the overall success and outcomes desired by the organization.
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Continuous Integration and Feedback: Managed workstreams incorporate mechanisms for continuous integration of work products and feedback loops to adapt and respond to changing requirements, stakeholder needs, or environmental factors.
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Risk Management: Managed workstreams consider risks and dependencies across different areas of the project, allowing for proactive risk management and mitigation strategies to address potential issues that may impact project and business outcomes.
Overall, managed workstreams promote a holistic and integrated approach to workstream management, where the focus is on maximizing synergy, efficiency, and effectiveness across interconnected components to achieve the desired business outcomes. By breaking down silos and fostering collaboration, managed workstreams help organizations navigate complexity and drive successful project delivery and operational effectiveness.
Assessing Your Workstream
Assessing a workstream involves evaluating its performance, progress, and effectiveness in achieving its objectives and contributing to the overall success of a project or initiative. Here are steps to assess a workstream effectively:
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Define Key OKR’s: Start by clearly defining the objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) for the workstream. These metrics should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART), providing a clear benchmark for assessment.
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Gather Data and Intel: Collect relevant data and information to assess the performance and progress of the workstream. This may include project documentation, status reports, task completion rates, quality metrics, and feedback from stakeholders.
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Evaluate Deliverables and Outputs: Review the deliverables, outputs, and outcomes produced by the workstream to assess their quality, completeness, and alignment with project objectives. Evaluate whether deliverables were delivered on time, within budget, and according to specifications.
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Assess Resource Utilization: Evaluate the allocation and utilization of resources such as personnel, budget, technology, and equipment within the workstream. Assess whether resources were effectively deployed to support the workstream's activities and whether any adjustments are needed to optimize resource utilization.
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Review Risks and Blockers: Identify and assess risks, issues, and challenges that may impact the performance and progress of the workstream. Evaluate how risks were managed, mitigated, or resolved and assess whether any unresolved issues are affecting the workstream's ability to achieve its objectives.
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Acquire Stakeholder Feedback: Gather feedback from stakeholders, including team members, project sponsors, customers, and other relevant parties. Assess stakeholders' perceptions of the workstream's performance, communication, and responsiveness to their needs and expectations.
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Compare Actual Performance with Targets: Compare the actual performance and progress of the workstream against the predefined targets, milestones, and benchmarks. Identify any gaps or deviations from the planned trajectory and assess the root causes of these variances.
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Identify Areas for Improvement: Identify the strengths and successes of the workstream as well as areas for improvement. Highlight and prioritize best practices, lessons learned, and opportunities for enhancement that can be applied to future workstream activities.
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Develop Action Plans: Based on the assessment findings, develop action plans to address any identified gaps, risks, or issues and capitalize on opportunities for improvement. Assign responsibilities, set timelines, and allocate resources to implement the action plans effectively.
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Monitor and Adjust: Continuously monitor the performance and progress of the workstream over time, making adjustments and refinements as needed to stay on track. Regularly reassess the workstream's objectives, priorities, and strategies to ensure alignment with evolving project needs and organizational goals.
By implementing these steps, organizations can effectively assess the performance and progress of their workstreams, identify areas for improvement, and take proactive measures to optimize their contribution to project success.
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