Why You Should Focus on Outcome And Not Output
In business, the term “outcome” is used in various ways. Sometimes it’s used to describe the result of a process or action, while other times it’s used as a synonym for goal or objectives.
In project management, outcomes are the specific results that a project is designed to achieve. These results can be tangible, like the launch of a new product, or intangible, like increased customer satisfaction.
The key difference between outcomes and outputs is that outcomes are the results that matter to the business or organization, while outputs are the deliverables that a project produces.
To focus on outcomes, project managers need to have a clear understanding of what the business or organization is trying to achieve. Once they know this, they can work with the team to ensure that the project is aligned with those goals and objectives.
This can be a challenge, as it’s often difficult to get everyone on the same page regarding what the project should be trying to achieve. However, it’s essential if the project is going to be successful.
There are a few different ways to focus on outcomes. One is to use outcome-based planning, which is a process of planning and managing a project based on the desired outcomes.
This approach starts with the identification of the outcomes that the project is trying to achieve. Once these are known, the project manager can work backwards to develop a plan to deliver those results.
Another way to focus on outcomes is to use an outcomes-based approach to project management. This means that the project manager focuses on the results that the project is trying to achieve, rather than the deliverables.
This can be a difficult shift for some project managers, as it’s easy to get caught up in the details of the project and lose sight of the bigger picture. However, it’s essential to remember that the project is only successful if it achieves its objectives.
If you want to be successful, you need to focus on outcomes, not outputs.
Keep the end goal in mind and work backwards to develop a plan to help you achieve it. With a clear understanding of what you’re trying to achieve, you can ensure that your project is aligned with the organization's goals and set yourself up for success.
