The legacy every project team leaves behind

In Australia everyone is talking about them. Yes, the Matildas and why not. They have converted this non-soccer person into a raving fan. 

It has been a week since we watched FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 final games and we continue to see in school playgrounds children kicking the round ball. The Tillies have created a legacy for the next generation of female sportswomen, not just in soccer but all sports. 

Walter Isaacson wrote in his book Steve Jobs, 2011 “We’re here to put a dent in the universe. Otherwise why else even be here?”  

Like the Matilda’s every project team can create a ripple effect. 

In rapidly evolving business landscape, projects have become more than just assignments with a start and end date. They have transformed into powerful vehicles that allow teams to etch their mark and leave behind a legacy. For those in project and change management roles, recognising this potential not only elevates the impact of the work but also inspires project teams to strive for excellence.

1. Projects as Building Blocks for Tomorrow

Each project an organisation undertakes is a brick in the foundation of its future. Whether it’s a small initiative to improve internal processes or a massive endeavour to launch a groundbreaking product, each project contributes to the organisation’s narrative. These narratives, over time, culminate in the legacy that the organisation leaves for future generations. They become the milestones that future teams look back on for inspiration, guidance, and motivation.

2. Showcasing Innovation and Expertise

Projects provide an opportunity for teams to showcase their innovative spirit and expertise. The solutions developed, methodologies adopted, and results achieved become a testament to the team’s capabilities. They set the benchmark for what’s possible and inspire others within and outside the organisation to push boundaries.

3. Creating Stories of Resilience and Triumph

All projects will experience challenges—unexpected roadblocks, resource constraints, or shifting priorities. How a team navigates these challenges, adapts to changes, and still delivers successful outcomes creates stories of resilience and triumph. These stories serve as lessons for future teams facing similar challenges.

4. Driving Cultural Change and Evolution

Change has the power to shape and redefine the cultural fabric of an organisation. This might involve introducing new technologies, processes, or behaviours. By successfully managing and leading these projects, teams play a pivotal role in influencing how the organisation evolves, how it operates, and what it values. This influence, in turn, leaves a lasting imprint on the organisation’s identity.

5. Offering Tangible Value Beyond Completion

A well-executed project often results in tangible assets—be it intellectual property, a strengthened brand image, or new revenue streams. These assets continue to provide value long after the project’s completion, ensuring that the team’s efforts are recognised and remembered. They serve as a legacy of the team’s ability to create enduring value for the organisation.

6. Empowering and Inspiring Future Teams

One of the most profound ways projects leave a legacy is by serving as a learning tool for future teams. Documented experiences, retrospectives, and lessons learned become invaluable resources. They empower future project managers and teams with insights, helping them avoid pitfalls and capitalize on what has worked in the past. 

Embracing the Legacy Mindset

For those leading and managing projects, it’s essential to instil a ‘legacy mindset’ within your teams. Here’s how: 

• Visionary Thinking: Encourage your team to see beyond the immediate deliverables. How will this project impact the organisation in 3, 5, or 10 years? 
• Document and Reflect: Make it a habit to document experiences, successes, and failures. This documentation isn’t just for review; it’s a legacy in the making. 
• Celebrate and Recognise: Celebrate the completion of projects, not just for meeting objectives but for the lasting impact they’re bound to create. 
• Continuous Learning: Promote a culture where past projects are studied, and lessons are drawn. Ensure that knowledge transfer is integral to your project processes. 

Projects are more than tasks and timelines; they’re opportunities.  

Opportunities to innovate, to shape the future, to inspire, and to leave a legacy. As you embark on your next project, take a moment to reflect: How will this project be remembered? What legacy will it leave behind? Because every project, no matter how big or small, has the potential to leave a lasting mark. Embrace that potential, and let it guide your journey.