In my contracting career, I've often been accused of 'Thinking I own the place'. These accusations have come about by being far too passionate about actually delivering something of value and caring that things are done well.
Helping clients to throw money down the drain is not something I aspire to. It is against my better nature to simply turn up, building something the client doesn't really need and then move on to the next client. Irrespective of the size of the pay check it is dull and frustrating building systems that aren’t useful and don’t help get the company get ahead.
‘Project success’ is something most project mangers claim to achieve, but a vast majority of projects fail the simplest of tests.
Success or Failure: The Simple Test
Add the cost of building and implementing the new system. Then add up the amount of money gained by implementing the new system, perhaps from reduced staff overheads, increased revenues etc.
If the gain is more than the cost then the project is indeed a success.
If the cost is more than the gain then the project failed. The money would have been better spent by investing elsewhere.
An over simplification
Granted, the test above is not aligned directly to reality and some projects are undertaken for reasons other than to make money. Sometimes they might be to ensure adherence to new legislation. Some companies need to spend to just keep up with the game.
Whilst true, all companies exist to make money for their owners, and those owners expect to get a good return on capital employed.
If the company is spending more than it makes then the value goes down. It is that simple.
So, sometimes perhaps it is not such a bad thing to think like an owner. If it's your money your spending/investing would you change what you are doing?
A contractor from London
Published: Friday, February 17, 2006
© 2012 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
Please see our copyright notice.
If you want to use any content you have seen on this site then
please request our media pack and
ask for details of our Content Licencing Service.