Join Concurrent Product Development Users Group (CPD 2009)
Strategy Research Institute, a non-profit organization that is committed to advancing knowledge and education in product development and innovation management is leading its eighth generation “Concurrent Product Development Users Group” (CPD 2009). For more information contact: Frank Hull, 917-992-1129.
Dilemmas of Leadership for High Performance in Product Development
Our research on product development performance in 100 companies shows that the following leadership practices statistically predict why product development teams in some enterprises achieve requirements, schedule and budget far better than others.
STRATEGY
- * Clearly communicate goals and objectives, but engage team members in their formulation.
- * Ensure everyone works toward a common goal, but allow adaptations during the journey.
PROCESS
* Clearly communicate expected product development processes, but coach teams in their use.
- * Enforce compliance with product development processes, but allow changes based on evidence.
ORGANIZATION
* Make provisional decisions promptly, but ask subordinates for advice on important decisions.
- * Emphasize short-term, measurable achievements, but allow teams the autonomy needed to complete their work
- * Reward individuals for how competently they did their own job, but also reward team members equally based on project performance.
- * Hold team members accountable for project outcomes, but also focus on the well-being of team members.
TOOLS
* Set standards for the use of tools and technologies, but encourage team members to try new tools and technologies.
- * Require common usage of tools and technologies among team members, but involve them in choices.
