VisionStatement

A clear statement of what it is intended to do and why

Definition

Each project should start with clear statement of what it is intended to do and why. This approach may be of use at other stages in development.

Source

Discussion

The statement of Vision is the basis against which all subsequent decisions are judged. At the start of the project, it may be used to identify potential stakeholders and sketch an initial assessment of cost and benefit and of risk. With feedback from these processes, the vision statement can be modified and solidified in parallel with the business case, a list of sponsors and stakeholders and an initial risk list. It does not need to be a large formal document, but should be written down and publicly available to all team members. A couple of sentences written large at the top of a project notice board may be the ideal approach for some teams. This forms the basis for the UnityOfPurpose of the project team.

It should be noted that having a statement of vision does not entirely protect against ‘hidden politics’ that may exist – see also SmokeFilledRoom. Yet hidden politics lead to the risk of people pulling in different directions, see LackOfDirection.