Developing Capacity for Large-Scale Change

Todd over at 800-CEO-Reads reviews a new book, "Rapid Results: How 100-Day Projects Build Capacity for Large-Scale Change.

According to authors Robert Shaffer and Ronald Ashkensas, are small, quick projects that build into company-wide change. For this strategy to work, they are very specific about the qualities these "100-day projects" need to have:

1. Focus on an Important Goal - Everyone from the CEO to the front line worker recognize the need.
2. Produce a Measurable Stretch Result - Pushing for what many consider impossible creates a buzz when it is achieved.
3. Works in the Short Term - Short term focus completely changes the dynamics of the project
4. Pinpoint Clear Accountability - One person needs to be responsible for the success or failure of the project
5. Drives Experimentation - The message needs to be that this is not going to be business as usual.
6. Is Planned and Disciplined - This may seem counterintuitive, but with speed, you need a good plan and good communications.
7. Make Learning a Deliberate Outcome - The project should be a springboard for more projects and more change.