Building Trust Through Clear Project Methodology

The Power of “Said/Did” — A Simple Framework That Builds Trust and Drives Results One of the most impactful lessons I’ve learned in my career came from a leader named Todd. Todd had a way of simplifying key ideas into powerful principles that stuck. He didn’t just lead with clarity—he inspired it in others. One of those lessons is what he called “Said/Did.” The concept is simple on the surface: 👉 You say what you’re going to do. 👉 Then you do it. That’s it. But when practiced consistently, it becomes a game-changer—for your own growth, your reputation, and the success of your team. ⸻ Why It Matters In leadership and in life, trust is currency. People notice when your actions align with your words. “Said/Did” builds that trust over time. It creates a culture of accountability without ever having to use the word. When a leader or individual contributor consistently follows through on what they say—whether it’s a commitment to a project, support for a team member, or a change in direction—it sets a tone for others. It says: We follow through here. We mean what we say. And when teams adopt this mindset, it’s not just about holding each other accountable. It’s about building belief—in each other, in the mission, and in the possibility of success. ⸻ What It Looks Like in Practice • You say you’re going to meet with a cross-functional partner this week to move a blocker? Do it. • You commit to giving your team an update on a new strategic direction? Deliver it on time. • You state a goal—professionally or personally? Show measurable progress. Over time, the gap between “said” and “did” becomes the true measure of credibility and influence. People start to see you as dependable. That’s not flashy leadership—but it’s the kind that scales, sustains, and strengthens teams. ⸻ My Challenge to You Think about your last week or even just the last few days. Where did you say something—and then follow through? Where might there be a gap between intent and action? What would change if your team embraced “said/did” as a norm? Thanks to Todd, this small phrase has become a big part of how I lead—and how I help others grow. It’s one of many lessons he passed on, and I’m grateful for the clarity it brings. Let’s keep it simple. Say it. Do it. Repeat. That’s how you grow trust—and impact.

3 Out of 4 Projects Fail Due to Misdiagnosis... here’s how to change that. The Doctor Framework: In a consulting world crowded with “solutions,” what if the secret to true client impact was a shift to diagnosis first? The Doctor Framework is designed to help senior executives-turned-consultants leverage their expertise in a solutions-based sales approach. Here’s why this method is a game-changer for creating long-term client relationships and real outcomes: 1. Diagnose the Pain 🩺 Much like a doctor would with a patient, this phase is about identifying core issues... not just symptoms. Research shows that 80% of s uccessful client interactions hinge on active listening (HubSpot, 2021). For consultants, that means asking pointed questions and focusing on what the client’s really saying... often between the lines. This phase sets the tone for trust and accurate problem-solving. 2. Verify & Prioritize 📋 Too often, consultants jump to solutions without fully verifying the core problem. In fact, 75% of misaligned projects stem from a misunderstanding in the initial discovery phase (PMI, 2022). Encourage clients to prioritize their biggest hurdles and validate the diagnosis before prescribing. This ensures they’re bought into the process, which paves the way for collaborative solutions. 3. Co-Create the Solution 🤝 People support what they help create. Rather than prescribing a one-size-fits-all answer... work with clients to co-create their roadmap, personalizing it to their needs. This consultative approach builds trust and client ownership, leading to better buy-in and outcomes. According to LinkedIn, solutions tailored with client collaboration improve client retention by 42%. 4. Start with Small Wins 🏆 Quick wins build momentum. In fact, research from McKinsey shows that starting with small but impactful projects leads to a 30% higher likelihood of client re-engagement. The goal is to: - secure initial buy-in - build credibility - set the stage for longer-term partnerships. Propose a quick-hit project to deliver immediate results, reinforcing the client’s confidence in both the process and the partnership. 5. Become the Trusted Advisor 🔗 Once the foundation is laid, follow-up and deepen the relationship. Check-in regularly, provide added value, and actively look for new opportunities to expand your impact. By positioning yourself as a long-term ally, not just a vendor, you’ll move from “consultant” to “advisor.” Statistics reveal that 90% of clients who see consistent value are more likely to refer additional business. Ready to level up your consulting approach? Implement the Doctor Framework and start creating meaningful, lasting relationships. Anything you'd add?

Unclear expectations are a project killer When I first started managing projects, I thought everyone would be on the same page. Alignment on roles, responsibilities, timelines, & deliverables Spoiler alert - they weren't. Fast forward 6 months: → A task was delayed because no one owned it → A stakeholder expected something we never agreed to → The team was frustrated by murky priorities It all came back to unclear expectations. Now, every time I kick off a project, I focus on 3 key things: ☝ Define roles & responsibilities Who owns what? Don't assume people know. Spell it out. RACI charts work wonders. ✌ Clarify deliverables & deadlines What are we delivering and when? Be specific. Confirm alignment with your team/stakeholders. 🤟 Overcommunicate early Repeat key details. Document agreements/decisions. Follow-up to ensure understanding. Clarity by setting expectations prevents future problems. It also establishes trust, teamwork, and successful delivery. When everyone knows what's expected, they can execute instead of guess. PS: what's your go-to strategy for setting clear expectations? 🤙

Validation projects don’t fall behind because of bad intentions. They fall behind because of bad communication. In large-scale CQV efforts, one of the most powerful tools you can implement isn’t a protocol template or risk matrix - it’s structured communication. From the best-performing teams, here’s what works: ✅ Weekly scheduled updates between the CQV agent (Project Controls) and Owner Quality/Validation Leads — these aren’t optional. They’re essential. This isn’t where theory lives. This is where risks surface early, where scope stays aligned, and where trust is built. Because the truth is meetings aren’t the “real work.” It’s not the time to ‘Do’. No, this meeting is where we report on measurables, review commitments, and tackle issues through IDS. It’s about alignment and accountability - not theory. The real work happens out at the coalface: with clients, equipment owners, executing protocols in the field, pitching the proposal, and following up. ↓↓↓ To make this work: 1. Formalize the meetings. Define cadence, agenda, and purpose - then stick to it. Every meeting ends with clear action items and owners. 2. Use shared systems. Progress tracking and documents should live in one central, accessible location. No silos. No confusion. 3. Set expectations for participation. Everyone - from Commissioning to Engineering to QA - must know what they’re reporting, when, and why it matters. Because miscommunication doesn’t just delay timelines - it erodes trust. And your project can’t afford either. “Structured, disciplined communication (cadence, agenda, accountability, visibility, participation) is the difference between theory and execution.” - Nathan 🔄 How are you structuring inter-team communication in your current projects? #CQV #Validation #ProjectManagement #GMPCompliance #Communication #LifeSciences #Ellab #TemperatureMatters #CrossFunctionalLeadership

Communication is the lifeblood of successful project management, especially when facing delays and budget overruns. When projects veer off course, transparent and proactive communication becomes even more critical. It's not just about conveying information; it's about building trust, managing expectations, and demonstrating accountability. By keeping clients informed of challenges, progress, and mitigation strategies, service providers can maintain credibility and foster collaborative problem-solving. This level of engagement shows respect for the client's investment and helps preserve the relationship, even in difficult circumstances. Moreover, consistent communication during project setbacks allows for timely adjustments and informed decision-making. It provides opportunities to reassess priorities, reallocate resources, and potentially redefine project scope or timelines. By involving clients in these discussions, service providers can ensure alignment on revised goals and demonstrate their commitment to project success. Remember, clients are more likely to be understanding of delays when they feel they're part of the solution rather than being kept in the dark. Effective communication in challenging times can transform potential conflicts into opportunities for strengthening partnerships and showcasing problem-solving skills. #ProjectManagement #ClientCommunication #TransparencyInBusiness #EffectiveLeadership #ProjectSuccess

🚧 𝗦𝗸𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀.🚧 Ever pitched a brilliant project plan only to face a wall of skepticism? It’s disheartening when your best ideas are met with doubt. The real challenge isn’t just presenting the plan; it’s convincing others that it’s not just feasible but essential. 😓🔍 Having navigated countless projects with doubtful stakeholders, I’ve seen firsthand how paralyzing this skepticism can be. Whether it’s a lack of trust, previous failures, or simply fear of the unknown, the roadblocks can seem insurmountable. 🔎 Common but ineffective strategies: ❌ Generic presentations fail to address specific concerns. ❌ Over-promising without backing up claims with data. ❌ Ignoring individual stakeholder needs for a one-size-fits-all approach. These methods often fall flat because they don’t connect with stakeholders on a personal level or address their unique worries. 🎯 Here’s what works: 1️⃣ 𝗗𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀: Start by understanding the root of skepticism through direct conversations or feedback sessions. Address specific worries with data and comparisons. 2️⃣ 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: Showcase past successes and provide evidence of your expertise. Highlighting relevant case studies can bolster your credibility. 3️⃣ 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Conduct a thorough risk analysis and communicate it clearly. Use visual aids and regular updates to keep stakeholders informed and reassured. 4️⃣ 𝗧𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Adapt your approach to match each stakeholder’s preferences. Offer personalized updates and engage advocates who support your vision. 5️⃣ 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗙𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲: Be ready to adapt your strategies based on feedback and evolving concerns. Continuous improvement shows commitment and responsiveness. 💡 Ready to turn skepticism into support? ✨ 𝗔𝗟𝗪𝗔𝗬𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥✨ “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow is our doubts of today.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt 🚀 Let’s chat! Drop me a message and discover how we can tackle stakeholder skepticism together, ensuring your project’s success and stakeholder buy-in. Don’t wait—let’s make your vision a reality now! #StakeholderManagement #ProjectSuccess #Leadership #RiskManagement #EffectiveCommunication #BuildingTrust

🤔𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 (?): 1. Lead projects successfully? 2. Explain an Idea to a large Audience? 3. Report to leadership? etc... I get asked this question a lot and in many different ways. Many say, "It starts and ends with people," and that’s absolutely true. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧. For me, it all comes down to the 𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥: 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲. 🔄 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: It’s not enough to have great people, you need to make sure everyone’s efforts are aligned with the overarching goals. Whether it’s a complex automation initiative or a strategic shift, 𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. 💬 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲: People perform at their best when they know exactly what’s expected of them. That’s why clarity is non-negotiable. Clear roles, clear responsibilities, clear goals. 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐧𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝-𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. 🔍 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲: Trust is the foundation of any successful project, and transparency is how you build it. Open communication, visibility into decisions, and progress, 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐠 𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞, 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲. So, when I’m asked how I lead projects, do this or that, and even teach subjects to my children. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: First I get my ACT together, and then I focus on Alignment, Clarity, and Transparency. That’s my HOW. The outcome? A team that trusts each other, trusts the process and delivers success. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐚 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞-𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨𝐨. #Leadership #ACTModel #MindsetChange #Trust #TeamSuccess #ACT 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲: The views within any of my posts, or newsletters are not those of my employer or the employers of any contributing experts. 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 👍 this? Feel free to reshare, repost, and join the conversation. Forbes Technology Council, VOCAL Council, InsightJam.com, PEX Network, Theia Institute, Gartner Peer Experiences, Solutions Review

If I were starting a new PROJECT today and wanted to plan it with ZERO prior knowledge, I'd do this: Step 1: Define Your Objective • Clearly articulate what success looks like for the project. • Break down the high-level goal into smaller, manageable milestones. • Ensure the objective aligns with stakeholders' expectations to avoid misalignment later. Step 2: Build Your Plan Backwards and Leverage Historical Data Most people skip this step entirely. But this is a huge mistake—because you risk creating a plan that doesn’t align with deadlines, resources, or realistic expectations. Here’s how: • Start from the final deliverable and work backward to define the timeline. • Gather and review historical data or similar project examples to understand typical timelines and challenges. • Identify key dependencies and create a logical sequence for tasks. • Use project planning tools (like Gantt charts or Kanban boards) to visualize your plan. • Clearly define roles and responsibilities for each stage. Pro tip: Don’t forget to account for buffer time—projects rarely go 100% as planned. Step 3: Identify Risks and Create a Mitigation Plan This isn't easy. But if you can do this, you will get: • Clarity on potential roadblocks before they derail progress. • Stakeholder confidence in your ability to deliver. • A proactive, problem-solving mindset that boosts your credibility. Here's a quick way to do this: List out possible risks, evaluate their impact and likelihood, and create a plan to minimize or respond to them. Collaborate with your team to spot any blind spots. Don't skip this step. It took me months of trial and error (and some chaos) to crystallize these steps—hope this helps! 🚀

I strongly believe that technology can drive processes in a way that builds and strengthens trust between clients & vendors. Tech platform services have made processes in project procurement faster, data-driven, and transparent. Tasks like vendor scouting, assessments, and comparisons that once took weeks can now be done in days. Trust is built when decisions are backed by data and transparency—stakeholders understand why a vendor was chosen. Responsiveness is equally critical; when clients promptly address vendor queries, it fosters confidence on both sides. I remember we worked with a client struggling to find the right vendor for a specialized CapEx project. Through Venwiz, they: - Identified pre-verified vendors in a flash. - Assessed vendor capabilities with over 20+ custom data points. - Used the platform to share updates and ensure alignment with vendors. The result? A faster, more objective, and transparent process that strengthened trust on both sides. For me, the intersection of technology and trust makes decisions more objective and better informed. But these are my experiences, would love to hear your thoughts/additions. #Procurement #CapEx #Trust #Technology