ABSTRACT
Years ago, I sat next to a gentleman who had a big sign in his cubical that urged him to “visualize success!” With my projects, I like to take this one step further by visualizing the steps taken to successfully implement project requirements. I call this process “devising an implementation strategy.” Although I long since abandoned my first career as a boat builder, I remain an avid house remodeler. I do my own plumbing, cabinetwork, wiring, and so on. One has to mentally prepare when switching from one of these trades to another because each requires different skill sets, tools, materials, and processes. I do this by imagining each step required, for instance, to install a light fixture or build cabinet drawers. This helps remind me of what materials or tools I may need. It also minimizes mistakes and extra trips to the home improvement center by thinking it through before getting started. In this chapter, I want to show you how to apply this technique to project planning.
