Delivering initiatives successfully again and again by understanding the main characters of an American Western Film hit
This one is about the American western film The Magnificent Seven(1960), and how its main characters help me ground an initiative to be delivered, each and every time.
(NOTE: Though I have a deep appreciation for the original film Seven Samurai 1954, the The Magnificent Seven feels more fitting to describe this one. On top of that; Talk about taking an existing product, tailoring it to your market and as a result making it a hugely profitable one, even getting the admiration from the original product creator. Now ain’t that awesome right?)
So who are the Magnificent Seven?
In the movie, Seven gunfighters are hired by Mexican villagers to liberate their village from oppressive bandits. The gunmen, prepare the villagers to defend themselves, then plan a trap for the evil bandits.
Now what if the village is your initiative, the oppressive bandits are the internal and external elements, trying to disrupt the initiative from being successful and the villagers…the villagers is actually you, the one responsible for making the initiative successful.
How can the seven gunfighters help you make your initiative a success?
[SPOILER ALERT] in comparison to the film, all of the magnificent seven are alive and kicking by the end of this one.
Get your popcorn and soda because here we go!
The Magnificent Seven to deliver your initiative successful
Time to meet the hero’s and learn about the specific skill each of them brings, needed to deliver an initiative successful.
Chris “The Organisational mastermind“ Adams
Chris is the organisational mastermind of the group, he understands the skills and abilities of the group, how to make best use of them and has a great awareness of his surroundings. He knows everything about the organisational side of things.
Why you need Chris his skill
The Organisation
The organisation aims to help ensure a clearly defined structure for the accountability and responsibility of individuals involved in an initiative. They are those who deliver, as well as the stakeholders who can impact, the desired outcome.
Vin “Ready to handle any Change“ Tanner
Vin is both skilled and has a great sense of humor. In general he is not that worried at all being a guru in handling any change, that comes along, with a smile.
Why you need Vin his skill
Change helps you identify, assess and control any potential changes to the products that have already been approved and baselined. The Change Theme is not just about handling change requests, but is also about handling issues that arise during the initiative.
Bernardo “The protector of the Business Case“ O’Reilly
Bernardo is financially desperate, his goal is to make sure that actions taken create value. He is the curator of the Business Case.
Why you need Bernardo his skill
A business case provides justification for undertaking an initiative. It answers the question “is it really worth the effort”.
It talks to the value something brings. The business case is build for the complete initiative, as well describes the value of each of the items within.
Chico “Risk reaps rewards“
Chico who is ambitious and wants to be known for his courage, that being calculated courage rather than foolish courage. He manages situations and evaluates potential impact before taking action. His courage is Risk based.
Why you need Chico his skill
Risk is about having an approach to identify, assess and control uncertainty throughout the delivery of an initiative and as a result, improve the potential success rate.
Harry “It is all about Progress” Luck
Harry, being the opportunistic fortune hunter, is all about progress. He lives by the rule that “As long as there is progress towards the objective, we will get there”.
Why you need Harry his skill
Progress is about checking progress related to the plan, checking viability and controlling any differences.
Britt “Impeccable Quality”
Britt is the most savvy combats men of the group and acquired that skillset by being though on quality.
Why you need Britt his skill
Quality means to define and implement a system that will create and verify that products are fit for use and meet requirements.
Lee “I need a Plan”
Lee was once fearless, but he learned the hard way and now finds himself needing a plan to gets his nerves in check.
Why you need Lee his skill
Plans provide a framework to understand what is required to be created, how it will be achieved, by whom that will be, how its delivery is sequenced and how long realisation is expected to take.
In summary
When you want to manage an initiative and increase your changes of success, make sure to keep a close eye out for the Magnificent Seven.
And always remember
The graveyards are full of initiatives that were very ambitious and those involved were very proud
With a Gunshot salute to all you product People, signing-off Klaas Hermans for Sharpwitted.ninja.
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