How do you ensure alignment between business and project objectives

Question

I’ve seen projects that seem like a win—on time, on budget—but in the end, they don’t really move the needle for the business. How do you keep projects focused on real business impact?

Answer 1

To keep your projects centered on actual business impact, do the following:

1. Align with Business Goals: Make sure the project aligns directly with the company's strategic goals.
2. Set Clear, Measurable Outcomes: Set KPIs that measure actual business value, such as revenue or customer satisfaction.
3. Prioritize Impact Over Output: Prioritize outcomes over getting things done. Ask yourself repeatedly, Will this make a difference?
4. Engage Stakeholders: Involve business leaders and end-users early to ensure the project stays aligned with what matters.
5. Iterate Based on Feedback: Stay flexible and adjust the project based on feedback and data to maintain relevance.
6. Evaluate ROI: After completion, measure ROI to ensure the project delivered the expected value.

By aligning with business goals, measuring outcomes, and adapting based on feedback, you'll keep projects on track for real impact.