Establish and maintain a shared vision for the project.

A project does not operate in isolation. Understanding organizational mission, goals, expectations and constraints allows the project to align its direction, activities, and shared vision with the organization and helps create a common purpose within which project activities can be coordinated. To enable this, it is critical to understand the interfaces between the project and stakeholders external to the project and the objectives and expectations of all relevant stakeholders (internal and external).

When creating a shared vision, consider:

·   external stakeholder expectations and requirements

·   the aspirations and expectations of the project leader, team leaders, and team members

·   the project’s objectives

·   the conditions and outcomes the project will create

·   interfaces the project needs to maintain

·   the visions created by interfacing groups

·   the constraints imposed by outside authorities (e.g., environmental regulations)

·   project operation while working to achieve its objectives (both principles and behaviors)

When creating a shared vision, all people in the project should be invited to participate. Although there may be a draft proposal, the larger population must have an opportunity to speak and be heard about what really matters to them. The shared vision is articulated in terms of both the core ideology (values, principles, and behaviors) and the desired future to which each member of the project can commit.

An effective communications strategy is key to implementing and focusing the shared vision throughout the project. Promulgation of the shared vision is a public declaration of the commitment of the project to their shared vision and provides the opportunity for others to examine, understand, and align their activities in a common direction. The shared vision should be communicated, and agreement and commitment of the relevant stakeholders should be obtained.

Effective communications are also especially important when incorporating new project members. New members of the project often need more or special attention to ensure that they understand the shared vision, have a stake in it, and are prepared to follow it in doing their work.

Typical Work Products

1.    Documented shared vision

2.    Communications strategy

3.    Published principles, shared vision statement, mission statement, and objectives (e.g., posters, wallet cards, and presentations)

Subpractices

1.    Articulate the project’s shared vision in terms of purpose or mission, vision, values, and objectives.

2.    Reach consensus on the project’s shared vision.

3.    Establish a strategy to communicate the project’s shared vision both externally and internally.

4.    Create presentations suitable for the various audiences that need to be informed about the project’s shared vision.

5.    Ensure that project and individual activities and tasks are aligned with the project’s shared vision.