Process Excellence
Hello, it's Borislav here.
In my recent newsletters, I've focused more on the external elements like the power of partnerships and the efficiency of the right technology. Today, I want to bring the focus inhouse and talk about something just as critical to your success: your internal processes.
The way we work internally needs to mirror the way we want to serve our customers. If our own processes are clear, agile, and transparent, then our project delivery will be too.
Excellence is built - step by step. Behind every positive outcome, whether in business or a single project, there are three important principles: processes, teamwork, and passion towards what you are doing.
This commitment to internal clarity and external success is the foundation of our Agile delivery model.
I want to share a few thoughts on why defining the project process upfront - is important to build trust and achieve predictable outcomes.
The Measures of Process Excellence
Too often businesses focus on what they intend to deliver rather than on what the customer or the team actually perceives and values. True excellence lies in closing that gap, shifting from script to experience.
For me, process excellence is not measured just by what we deliver, but also by what experience we give to the team and our customers. This requires an integrated and systematic way of working built on:
- Alignment (The Starting Line)
- People's Engagement
- Continuous Improvement
1. Alignment
When starting any project, our first step isn't coding or starting immediate tasks; it's defining the project goal, scope and timeline. This phase involves intensive collaboration to ensure everyone in the team has the exact same picture of the finish line.
Here is an example of an internal project: a Content Roadmap & Campaign Calendar
We literally started with one question: Why are we here today?
This Why helped us to identify the strategic goal.
The second most important question was: What do we want to get out of this workshop by the end of it?
Following a specific framework helped us to align and get a strong commitment as a team.
The Pillars of Agile Delivery
Once the blueprint is set, our Agile delivery model is designed to sustain momentum. Here are the core pillars we rely on, which I believe are essential for any successful project:
1. Transparency
If we expect someone to trust the process, they must be able to see it. Transparency means having clear visibility into the daily progress, roadblocks, and next steps.
- Progress Tracking: We use standardized tools and methodologies (like Scrum, Kanban and Jira) that allow us to see what is being worked on, what is completed, and what is coming next in real-time.
- Open Reporting: Reporting isn't just a monthly summary. It's continuous feedback loops and regular check-ins that address challenges before they become crises.
2. Accountability
Everyone on the project needs to know their role and own their commitments.
- Clear Roles: Within our dedicated delivery team, every member has a defined set of responsibilities. This ensures nothing is missed and decision-making is fast and proactive.
- Commitment to the PI objectives (Program Increment objectives): We commit to delivering specific value within defined timeframes. This commitment creates predictability and allows you to plan your business activities around measurable project outcomes.
3. Continuous Improvement
Agile approach isn't just about speed; its about getting better with every cycle. This ensures we don't repeat mistakes and that our efforts remain focused on generating value.
- Value-Driven Prioritization: Development effort is focused solely on high-value user stories. If a task doesn't contribute directly to the defined business value, it is reprioritized or questioned.
- Operational Excellence: By adopting best practices and maintaining centralized control, we ensure operational excellence across the project.
Ultimately, process excellence is the engine of successful projects. When our internal work reflects discipline, clarity, and adaptability, our partnership thrives, and you get a superior product delivered with confidence.
What process principle do you find most critical when working with an external partner?
Cheers to your success,
Borislav Minkov
CEO, Novarto
