Lessons Learnt Essentials and How this Practice will Add Value

 

In 2017 we embarked on a survey of our community of practice regarding their program and project management experiences with the aim of being able to share these insights so that we can understand what is working and what can be improved. Continuous improvement can be implemented through these studies as well as through the practice of reflective thoughts or in a more structured lessons learnt approach.  This can be done in a group, or as individuals and is really a way to close the loop of the day-day actions.

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Okay, so let’s address the basics of WHAT, WHO, WHY, & HOW, so that you can

 

WHAT is the state of the environment that you are to reflect within:

• What can be improved?

• What are the present risks?

• What are the future challenges the organisation faces?

 

WHO should be involved:

• Who are the stakeholders and what are their priorities?

• WHY do this, is it the best value set of outcomes and is it in line with the overall strategy?

• Is it aligned with the organisation vision/ values/ criteria for success?

 

HOW is best addressed when there is an understanding of the above WHAT/ WHO & WHY:

• Regular practice in the program/ project cycle, at planning stages, implementing / delivering and after.

• Best practice standardised questions: Why did we do it and did it achieve the value planned for, if not why didn’t it?

• Reflective time to be regularly scheduled.

 

The benefits of lessons learnt and continuous improvement are to add value in:

• Improving resilience and sustainable practices.

• Creating knowledge sharing within an organisation.

• Identifying new opportunities.

• Problem solving bigger picture matters.​