A Spring Reset for Your Projects and Priorities

by ​Daniel Elacqua, MBA, PMP

We’re all familiar with the idea of spring cleaning. After all, is there a better time to refresh, refocus, and realign than when the world is waking from its winter slumber? Why not carry that energy into your work life, too?

Here at Strategico Consultants we see the benefits of spring cleaning not just for your home, but for an organization’s priorities as well. Just like clearing out clutter in your pantry or closets can help make space for new items and the “stuff” that really matters, taking stock of your current work projects can help ensure your team focuses on initiatives that will support your organization’s long-term strategy.

In fact, we value this process so highly that we have engaged a business coach, Tim Alvarez with United Growth Advisors, for an organizational spring reset ourselves. He will help us assess our current goals, identify opportunities for refinement or to establish new ones, and prioritize them so we can ensure we are focused and aligned moving forward. An outsider’s perspective can bring insights you may otherwise not have, which is something we do for our clients, too. 

As an IT consultant and leader who assesses the inner workings of associations and non-profits through a technological lens, I often spot other opportunities for improvement. I frequently find that organizations are taking on too many projects, oftentimes with competing priorities.

Some of these projects are absolutely necessary, highly valuable, and will ultimately contribute to the goals of the organization.  However, some projects are simply taking up time and resources without contributing to the strategic goals of the organization. 

A spring refresh is an opportunity to step back and ask: Are the projects on your plate still aligned with your organization’s goals?

I’ve compiled a list of our recommended best practices for a strategic “spring cleaning.” These five suggestions can help you review your projects, refocus where needed, and start the spring season with purposeful effort and a focused vision of the future.

Best Practices for a Strategic Project Refresh

1. Take Inventory
   List every major project your team is working on. Identify the purpose, which goal it’s aiming to reach, all stakeholders, and expected outcomes. If you can’t connect a project to a strategic goal, it’s probably time to reassess.
2. Evaluate Strategic Alignment
   Each project should directly support your organization’s mission and priorities. Ask yourself if the project is moving your organization forward, or is it simply a legacy initiative that no longer fits? If it’s the latter, take this opportunity to table the project for the time being.
3. Assess Resource Allocation
   Even a strategically aligned project can become a drain if it’s underfunded or lacks the right talent. Make sure each initiative has what it needs to succeed – or else consider redistributing efforts where they’ll have more impact.
4. Review Timelines
   Some projects may be stalled due to a variety of reasons. Determine what’s worth pushing forward and what should be postponed, consolidated, or even phased out.
5. Measure & Adjust
   Use data-driven insights to evaluate project effectiveness. Are you seeing expected results? If not, can you identify why you aren’t? Either way, if the anticipated results aren’t what you had expected – or needed – it’s time to revisit your approach.

Just as spring cleaning makes your space – and possibly even your life - more functional, a project refresh helps your organization operate with greater focus, motivation, and efficiency. By realigning your work with strategic goals, you’ll free up precious resources, improve impact and results, and set your team up for success in the months ahead.

​If your organization needs expert guidance to prioritize projects, streamline operations, and leverage the right technology to advance its mission, let’s start the conversation and explore how we can help ensure every initiative drives tangible results. 

At Strategico Consultants, we're here to help organizations thrive in an ever-changing world. We focus on creating innovative, customized, and forward-thinking strategies that boost member engagement, optimize workflows, and fuel long-term growth, making sure you're always ahead of the curve.

Get in touch with us to learn how we can help your organization.