Driving Quick Wins in Complex Program Management
Is this you? You have a new assignment and you need to show results. Fast. Do you go it alone, or do you get some support? Middle managers can play a pivotal role in leading complex programs that are expected to deliver impactful results. Sometimes, it takes some time to deliver visible outcomes. How do you appease your leaders and stakeholders while you are working diligently to show your value? The answer is through quick wins.
Quick wins—small, achievable actions that yield immediate benefits—can energize teams, improve operational efficiency, and build credibility–in the meantime.. Here are a few ideas that you can implement in less than 4 weeks to start focusing on these wins.
Automate Alerts: Setting up automated alerts for project tasks, review timeframes, chat messages, new publications, etc. are pretty standard in most applications. Automated alerts reduce manual monitoring and ensure program stakeholders stay informed proactively.
Focus on Key Metrics: Establishing a dashboard involves selecting and highlighting already available metrics. This immediately shifts focus to high-impact data while eliminating distractions.
Create Regular Touchpoints: Scheduling regular meetings or touchpoints for areas of existing stakeholder information gaps requires minimal setup. These meetings facilitate quick alignment and better communication, improving teamwork almost immediately.
Leverage Enterprise Tools for Content Management: Identify the specific challenges your team faces with content management, such as fragmented data storage, inconsistent formatting, or difficulty accessing up-to-date materials. Migrate essential content (scientific data, reports, presentations) into the tool, organizing it in a logical and accessible structure.
Create and Share Templates: Creating and sharing standardized templates is a simple yet impactful way to improve team alignment and efficiency by providing clear, consistent formats for tasks like reporting, planning, and communication.
Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Organizing initial workshops or meetings for cross-functional teams to collaborate on medical strategies doesn’t take long and can result in immediate improvements.
Middle managers should start with these targeted actions to create a ripple effect of productivity and positivity across their teams.
