Project managers are no longer just executors – they’re strategic visionaries shaping business direction. By embracing design thinking, PMs can revolutionize their role and drive innovation.
A study by PMI found that organizations with high strategic alignment of projects achieved 57% higher success rates [1]. To tap into this potential, project managers can adopt an unconventional tactic: reverse brainstorming. Instead of ideating solutions, start by imagining worst-case scenarios and work backwards to prevent them [2]. This approach uncovers hidden risks and sparks creative problem-solving.
To implement reverse brainstorming:
1. Gather stakeholders and pose the question: “How could we make this project fail spectacularly?”
2. List all potential failures, no matter how unlikely.
3. For each failure scenario, brainstorm preventive measures and innovative solutions.
This method not only mitigates risks but also reveals unexpected opportunities for strategic value. By challenging assumptions and exploring “what-ifs,” project managers can contribute meaningfully to high-level business planning.
How might reframing problems as opportunities transform your approach to project management and organizational strategy?
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[1]: https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/strategic-alignment-projects-9686
[2]: https://www.mindtools.com/a3mi00v/reverse-brainstorming
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