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Inside Wrike: How our marketers sharpen their skills
Marketing 5 min read

Inside Wrike: How our marketers sharpen their skills

Here’s a peek inside our training initiatives at Wrike, including our marketing team’s experience with the Wrike Certified Professional program.

Lead with flexibility: The contingency approach to leadership
Project Management 10 min read

Lead with flexibility: The contingency approach to leadership

Struggling to overcome complexities in leadership? A contingency approach could be the answer.

Stellar Results: Soaring to New Heights of Efficiency With Wrike
Productivity 5 min read

Stellar Results: Soaring to New Heights of Efficiency With Wrike

Explore how real results and expert insights are all in orbit with Wrike in the finale of our efficiency blog series.

2024 Predictions: The Year of Intelligent Work Management and AI Integration
Leadership 5 min read

2024 Predictions: The Year of Intelligent Work Management and AI Integration

Wrike VP of Product, Alexey Korotich, forecasts that the rise of intelligent CWM tools and AI applications will redefine efficiency and drive innovation in 2024.

2024 Predictions: Key Trends Redefining the Future of Marketing
Marketing 7 min read

2024 Predictions: Key Trends Redefining the Future of Marketing

Wrike’s marketing team explores upcoming trends, including M&A growth strategies, the evolving role of CMOs, and balancing AI in content creation.

Wrike Automation: Innovative AI for Intelligent Process Discovery
News 7 min read

Wrike Automation: Innovative AI for Intelligent Process Discovery

Discover how Wrike’s automation solution sets it apart from competitors, enhancing efficiency and productivity in project management.

Decoding Efficiency: A Glimpse Into a Brighter Tomorrow
Productivity 5 min read

Decoding Efficiency: A Glimpse Into a Brighter Tomorrow

Navigate the world of increased workloads and tighter budgets. Discover the power of efficiency, backed by real-world stats and pro tips.

The Efficiency Buzz: Why Everyone’s Talking About It
Productivity 3 min read

The Efficiency Buzz: Why Everyone’s Talking About It

Unravel the 2023 efficiency odyssey with insights from over 3,000 professionals. Discover hidden work challenges and actionable strategies.

Pioneering AI In Work Management
Leadership 7 min read

Pioneering AI In Work Management

Our VP of product, Alexey Korotich, explains how Wrike is blazing a trail in AI with our Work Intelligence® solution.

Mastering Efficiency in an Era of Economic Uncertainty: Insights from Wrike’s Efficiency Report
Productivity 7 min read

Mastering Efficiency in an Era of Economic Uncertainty: Insights from Wrike’s Efficiency Report

Wrike’s 2023 Efficiency Report offers valuable insights into how business leaders strategize for efficiency and tackle the persistent presence of the Dark Matter of Work.

5 Tips to Help You Power Through a Recession
Leadership 5 min read

5 Tips to Help You Power Through a Recession

Whether we are in a recession or not, anxiety can be crippling. Here are five ways to deal with ongoing uncertainty in the workplace.

Do More With Less: How To Consolidate Your Martech Stack
Project Management 7 min read

Do More With Less: How To Consolidate Your Martech Stack

Your martech stack is probably costing you more time and money than it needs to. Recoup those wasted resources with our consolidation tips.

How to Reduce Software Development Complexity
Project Management 7 min read

How to Reduce Software Development Complexity

Wrike’s Dmitry Mamonov discusses the issue of complexity in software development — and how you can tackle it.

Mastering the Proof of Concept: A Guide to Validating Your Innovations
Leadership 7 min read

Mastering the Proof of Concept: A Guide to Validating Your Innovations

Innovation is a vital component of modern business. Developing a new product or service can be exciting, but it's challenging to determine if your innovations will be successful in the market. That's where proof of concept (POC) comes in. A well-executed POC can validate your ideas and provide the necessary data to prove that your innovation can meet the demands of the market.    Try Wrike for free Understanding the Importance of Proof of Concept Before delving into the nitty-gritty of POC, it's essential to understand its role in the innovation process. At its core, a POC is a critical step in determining if your innovation is feasible, viable, and desirable. It provides valuable insights into potential customer needs, obstacles to overcome, and further development requirements. Defining Proof of Concept A POC is a preliminary study or experiment that tests the feasibility of an innovation. The goal is to determine whether or not the innovation is technologically, financially, and functionally feasible. During a POC, businesses can test various aspects of their innovation, such as its technical capabilities, market potential, and financial viability. This can involve creating a prototype, conducting market research, or even just brainstorming with stakeholders.   Benefits of a Well-Executed Proof of Concept A well-executed POC has many benefits. First and foremost, it helps mitigate the risk of investing significant resources into a product or service that may fail in the market. By testing the idea early on, businesses can identify potential issues and make necessary adjustments before investing too much time and money. A successful POC allows for valuable feedback from stakeholders and potential customers, enabling necessary adjustments to meet business and customer needs. The ultimate goal is to craft a final product or service that is well-received by the market. A POC can also impress investors and increase their confidence in your innovation. By demonstrating the feasibility and potential of your idea, you can attract more funding and support for further development. Common Misconceptions about Proof of Concept Despite its importance, there are many misconceptions about POC. One of the most common is the belief that you need a fully functional prototype to test your innovation. While a prototype can be helpful, it is not always necessary. A POC can be a simple and low-cost experiment, such as a survey to determine customer interest in a new service or an analysis of market data to determine if your idea meets current trends. Another common misconception is that a failed POC means the idea is not feasible or worthwhile. This is not necessarily the case. Instead, a POC aims to identify potential issues and limitations early in the development process, allowing you to adjust the innovation rather than waste time and resources. Identifying the Key Components of a Successful Proof of Concept A Proof of Concept (POC) is a crucial step in any innovation process and consists of several key components: Clear Objectives and Scope Having clear objectives and a well-defined scope ensures that the necessary data and analysis are collected to evaluate the feasibility of your innovation. It's essential to establish what success looks like and outline the metrics that assess whether the POC has achieved its objectives. Without clear objectives, the POC may not provide the insights you need to make informed decisions. If you're testing a new product, your objectives may include assessing its market potential, identifying potential customers, and evaluating its financial viability.  Stakeholder Involvement Involve stakeholders, including potential customers and partners, in the POC process. Their opinions are essential to validate your innovation and confirm that it meets their needs.  Make sure to include potential customers in your testing process for any new products. This allows you to collect feedback on the product's features, usability, and overall appeal; you can then use their insights to refine your product.  Realistic Timeline and Budget Setting a realistic timeline and budget for the POC process is essential to avoid overcommitting time and resources. You must balance the need for thorough experimentation and data collection with timely execution.  Set timelines that allow you to test new products thoroughly while delivering results within a reasonable timeframe. Similarly, allocate a budget that allows you to conduct the POC without overspending.  Measurable Success Criteria Establishing measurable success criteria for the POC is essential to evaluate its effectiveness. Key metrics may include customer engagement rates, market demand, or proof of financial viability.  Other important metrics may include customer feedback, sales, and revenue generated during the POC. These metrics can help you evaluate your new product or offering’s potential and identify areas for improvement.  Developing a Comprehensive Proof of Concept Plan After identifying the key components of a successful POC, it's time to develop a comprehensive plan. Conducting Market Research and Analysis Conducting market research and analysis will confirm that your innovation fits the current market trends and help you identify gaps in the market that you can fill. Consider gathering data from competitors and industry reports and collecting customer feedback from surveys and interviews.  Defining the Problem and Solution Clearly defining the problem you're solving and how your innovation provides a solution is the core of your POC, as it will guarantee that your innovation provides actual value in the market. It is of paramount importance to make sure that your innovation has a clear purpose and that it solves a real-world problem. Designing the Prototype or Minimum Viable Product Designing and developing a prototype or minimum viable product (MVP) is a crucial step in developing a comprehensive POC plan. The prototype should relate to your innovation and provide enough functionality to validate the concept and collect data. A tangible representation of your innovation, prototypes allow stakeholders to see and understand how your innovation works. If necessary, you can make minor adjustments before officially launching it into the market. Establishing the Testing and Validation Methods Establishing comprehensive testing and validation methods ensures that you collect the necessary data to analyze the results of your POC. Utilizing stakeholders to test the prototype and analyze their feedback is an effective way to establish testing and validation methods.  Implementing and Managing the Proof of Concept Process Now, it's time to implement and manage the POC process from initial implementation to completion. Assembling a Skilled Team Assemble a skilled team with a diverse set of skills and backgrounds. Give preference to individuals who are experts in their respective fields and have experience with the type of product or service being developed. Determine which team members will be responsible for the different aspects of your POC and ensure they understand their roles and responsibilities. Effective Communication and Collaboration Establish regular communication channels and project management tools to keep team members informed and on task. Encourage open communication and feedback to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that any issues or concerns are addressed promptly. Monitoring Progress and Adjusting as Needed Regularly monitor progress against the established success criteria and adjust the POC plan as necessary. Use key metrics and information from stakeholders to make informed decisions about whether or not to continue development. This will help you identify any issues or areas that need improvement and make adjustments to ensure that the POC is successful. Addressing Challenges and Risks Finally, address challenges and risks as they arise. Document and analyze issues encountered and use the lessons learned to improve future POCs. This will assist you in identifying any potential issues or risks and developing strategies to mitigate them. Additionally, it helps you learn from your experiences and improve any POCs that you work on in the future. Conclusion Mastering POC is essential to validating your innovation and determining if it's worth pursuing. Recognizing the importance of POC and implementing the key components are critical to success, as well as recognizing that a successful POC is only the first step in the innovation process. With a clear understanding of POC, you can demonstrate the market potential of your innovation and secure the necessary resources for further development. Validate your innovations with a well-executed proof of concept by employing Wrike's versatile work management platform. Begin your free trial now and let your ideas shine, demonstrating their true potential.   Try Wrike for free Note: This article was created with the assistance of an AI engine. It has been reviewed and revised by our team of experts to ensure accuracy and quality.

Creating a Culture of Process Improvement: Tips, Techniques, and Tools
Productivity 7 min read

Creating a Culture of Process Improvement: Tips, Techniques, and Tools

Companies need to constantly improve their processes to stay ahead of the competition and meet the demands of customers. In this article, we will explore the importance of process improvement and cover how to establish a process improvement mindset, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement process improvement techniques. Try Wrike for free Understanding the Importance of Process Improvement Process improvement is a critical component of organizational success. By continuously analyzing and refining their processes, organizations can reduce costs, improve product or service quality, and increase productivity.  These activities also serve as an impressive way to create a streamlined, efficient, and effective process that meets the needs of customers and the organization.     Benefits of a Process Improvement Culture Establishing a process improvement culture provides several benefits to organizations, such as: Reduced costs: Identify and eliminate waste to improve profitability. Increased efficiency: Effectively streamline your organization’s processes. Improved quality: Improve the quality of your products or services to enhance customer satisfaction. Increased customer satisfaction: Enjoy the benefits of increased loyalty and repeat business. Greater ability to adapt to changing market conditions: Become more agile and better equipped to deal with changing market conditions. Enhanced employee engagement and retention: Increase engagement and retention, leading to a more motivated and productive workforce. Common Barriers to Process Improvement Despite the many benefits of process improvement, organizations often face barriers when trying to implement it, including: Resistance to change: This is especially true for employees that have been at your company for a long time. Lack of leadership commitment: Without the support of leadership, process improvement initiatives are unlikely to succeed. Employee resistance or apathy: Employees may be resistant in general to change or apathetic towards process improvement initiatives. Lack of resources: Significant resources, including time, money, and personnel, are required for process improvement. Undefined goals or objectives: The lack of clear goals or objectives is a gateway to failure. Establishing a Process Improvement Mindset Establishing a process improvement mindset is crucial for any organization that wants to stay competitive and improve customer satisfaction. A process improvement mindset involves developing a clear understanding of the importance of process improvement and creating a culture that supports it.  Here are a few ways you can establish this mindset in your organization: Leadership Commitment and Support Leaders must communicate the importance of process improvement, allocate the necessary resources, and lead by example. When leadership is committed to process improvement, it creates a culture that values continuous improvement and accountability and encourages employees to embrace change. Leaders can demonstrate their commitment to process improvement by actively participating in improvement initiatives, providing regular feedback to employees, and recognizing and rewarding success.  Encouraging Employee Buy-in Employee buy-in is essential for successful process improvement initiatives. Employees are often resistant to change, but when they understand the benefits, are trained, and are given opportunities to get involved in the process, they are more likely to embrace it. Consider creating cross-functional teams that include representatives from different departments. This helps to ensure that everyone has a voice and is invested in the success of the initiative. Providing training and support also aids employees in developing the skills and knowledge they need to contribute to the improvement process.  Continuous Learning and Development Organizations must provide employees with the necessary skills and knowledge to identify areas for improvement, analyze processes, implement changes, and stay current with industry trends and best practices. Be sure to offer training programs, workshops, opportunities to attend conferences and seminars, and mentoring to all employees.   Try Wrike for free Identifying Opportunities for Process Improvement Identifying opportunities for process improvement involves analyzing existing processes, gathering feedback from employees and customers, and utilizing process improvement frameworks. Analyzing Current Processes Analyze existing processes by mapping out the current process, identifying areas of waste, inefficiency, or bottlenecks, and looking at patterns, trends, and opportunities for improvement. Consider creating a process flowchart to better visualize the steps involved in a process and identify where delays or inefficiencies occur. Analyzing data such as cycle time, lead time, and throughput draws attention to areas where processes can be improved. Gathering Feedback from Employees and Customers Employees and customers are valuable sources of information when it comes to understanding how processes can be improved to better meet their needs. While employees who are involved in the day-to-day operations of a process can provide valuable feedback on how to streamline the process or eliminate unnecessary steps, customers can also give opinions on their experience with a process. Utilizing Process Improvement Frameworks There are several process improvement frameworks organizations can use to identify opportunities for improvement, including Lean Six Sigma, Business Process Reengineering, Total Quality Management, and Agile Methodology. Each framework offers a unique approach and set of tools to help organizations improve their processes, and are detailed in the next section. Implementing Process Improvement Techniques Here are a few of the top techniques for implementing process improvement. Lean Six Sigma Lean Six Sigma is a popular process improvement framework that combines the principles of Lean and Six Sigma and focuses on reducing waste and eliminating defects in processes. Waste refers to any activity that does not add value to the customer, while variability refers to any deviation from the standard process. Generally, organizations use Lean Six Sigma to improve quality, increase customer satisfaction, and reduce costs through continuous process improvement. Business Process Reengineering Business process reengineering involves radically redesigning processes to achieve significant improvements in performance by examining existing processes and rethinking how they can be optimized to better meet the needs of customers and the organization. In order to do this, consider eliminating unnecessary steps and automating certain tasks. Total Quality Management Total Quality Management is a management philosophy that focuses on continuous improvement, customer satisfaction, and employee participation.  The Total Quality Management approach emphasizes the importance of involving all employees in the process of continuous improvement. This means that everyone in the organization is responsible for identifying areas for improvement and working together to implement changes that will benefit the customer and the organization. Agile Methodology The Agile methodology is based on the principles of the Agile Manifesto, which emphasizes individuals and interactions, working software, customer collaboration, and responding to change. This approach enables organizations to quickly adapt to changing customer needs and market conditions, which is essential in today's fast-paced business environment. The emphasis is on flexibility, collaboration, and rapid iteration. Implementing Agile methodology involves breaking down projects into smaller, more manageable tasks and working collaboratively to complete them. Popular in software development, this approach enables organizations to quickly identify and resolve issues and make changes as needed to ensure that the final product meets the needs of the customer. Overall, establishing a culture of process improvement is essential for organizations looking to optimize their operations, reduce waste, and increase efficiency. By understanding the importance of process improvement, establishing a process improvement mindset, identifying opportunities for improvement, and implementing process improvement techniques, organizations can create a streamlined, efficient, and effective process that meets the needs of customers and the organization. Cultivate a culture of process improvement using these expert tips and Wrike's comprehensive suite of collaboration tools. Begin your free trial now and elevate your organization’s performance to new heights.   Try Wrike for free   Note: This article was created with the assistance of an AI engine. It has been reviewed and revised by our team of experts to ensure accuracy and quality.

Digital Transformation and Its Impact on Modern Strategic Operations
Project Management 10 min read

Digital Transformation and Its Impact on Modern Strategic Operations

In our technologically driven world, digital transformation has become a buzzword across all industries. It has brought about a paradigm shift in the way organizations operate, transforming traditional business models and practices. This article aims to provide an in-depth understanding of digital transformation, its role in business strategy, its impacts on various industries, challenges, and risks associated with it.    Try Wrike for free Defining Digital Transformation At its core, digital transformation refers to the integration of technology into all aspects of a business, resulting in fundamental changes to how it operates and delivers value to customers. This means that businesses are no longer just using technology to support their operations but are instead leveraging it to drive innovation, increase efficiency, and improve customer experience. Modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are all key components of digital transformation. By utilizing these technologies, businesses can gain a competitive advantage thanks to a sharpened ability to analyze data, automate processes, and provide personalized experiences to their customers. Key Components of Digital Transformation Digital transformation comprises several key components that distinguish it from traditional ways of doing business. These components include: Digitalization: Converting analog information into digital format, making it easier to store, access, and analyze. Automation: Automating manual processes reduces the need for human intervention and increases efficiency. Data-driven decision making: Inform business decisions to allow for more accurate predictions and better outcomes. Customer-centricity: Focusing on providing personalized experiences to customers based on their individual needs and preferences. Agile methodology: Adopting a flexible and iterative approach to project management, allowing businesses to quickly adapt to changing market conditions. The Evolution of Digital Transformation Digital transformation has evolved over time, driven by advances in technology and changing consumer behaviors. Initially, it involved automating manual processes such as record-keeping and inventory management. This allowed businesses to streamline their operations and reduce costs, but it was only the beginning. As technology continued to advance, businesses began to realize the potential of digital transformation for driving innovation and improving customer experience. Today, digital transformation is no longer just about automating processes, as it now encompasses all aspects of business operations, including sales, marketing, and customer engagement. Businesses that fail to embrace digital transformation risk falling behind their competitors and losing relevance in the market. By leveraging modern technologies and adopting a customer-centric approach, businesses can stay ahead of the curve and continue to thrive in the years to come. The Role of Digital Transformation in Business Strategy The digital age has brought about a significant shift in the way businesses operate.  Aligning Business Goals with Digital Initiatives For digital transformation to be successful, it must align with an organization's overall business goals. This requires a deep understanding of the company's mission, vision, and values. By aligning digital initiatives with business goals, an organization can drive innovation and achieve growth while maintaining a competitive edge. However, aligning business goals with digital initiatives is not always easy. It requires a significant shift in mindset and culture, as well as a willingness to embrace change. Organizations must be willing to invest in the right technology and talent to support their digital strategy. They must also be willing to experiment, as digital transformation is an ongoing process. Enhancing Competitive Advantage through Digital Transformation Digital transformation creates a competitive advantage by enabling organizations to deliver better customer experiences, improve efficiency, and respond more quickly to market changes. With the right digital strategy, an organization can differentiate from its competitors, attract new customers, and retain existing ones. A retail business, for example, can use digital technology to personalize the customer experience, offering targeted promotions and recommendations based on the customer's past purchases and browsing history. This can create a more engaging and relevant experience, leading to increased customer loyalty and retention. Adapting to Changing Customer Expectations The digital age has transformed consumer behavior, and businesses must adapt to these changes to stay relevant. Today's customers expect personalized, seamless, and convenient experiences when interacting with businesses. By leveraging digital tools, organizations can anticipate and meet these expectations, creating a positive customer experience that drives loyalty and retention. A hospitality business may use digital technology to streamline the check-in process, allowing customers to check in online and skip the front desk. This creates a more convenient and efficient experience for the customer, leading to increased satisfaction and loyalty. Try Wrike for free Impacts of Digital Transformation on Various Industries Now that we have more of an understanding of digital transformation, let’s explore how it has impacted various industries. Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management The manufacturing industry has undergone a significant transformation due to digitalization. Automation made production processes more efficient, reducing costs and increasing productivity. The use of IoT devices enabled manufacturers to collect real-time data, resulting in more accurate demand forecasting and inventory management. Additionally, the use of big data allowed manufacturers to optimize their supply chains, reducing lead times and improving customer satisfaction. Healthcare and Telemedicine Digital transformation has transformed the healthcare industry by enabling remote access to medical care and improving patient outcomes. Telemedicine has made it easier for patients to access medical care, especially in remote areas. Meanwhile, the use of big data has improved patient outcomes via predictive analytics, personalized treatment plans, and better disease management. Also, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) has improved the efficiency of healthcare delivery, reducing administrative costs and improving patient safety. Finance and Banking The finance and banking industry has also benefited significantly from digital transformation. The use of digital tools such as mobile banking, online payments, and chatbots has made it easier for customers to access financial services. The use of data and machine learning made it possible for banks to easily detect fraudulent activities, manage risk, and develop more accurate credit scoring models. Even the usage of blockchain technology has made transactions more secure and transparent. Retail and E-commerce The retail industry is not immune to digitalization either. E-commerce has made it possible for retailers to expand their reach, improve customer experiences, and reduce costs by automating processes such as order fulfillment and inventory management. The use of data analytics allowed retailers to deliver personalized experiences to customers, resulting in increased customer loyalty and sales. Additionally, the use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies enabled retailers to create immersive shopping experiences, increasing customer engagement and satisfaction. Challenges and Risks of Digital Transformation Digital transformation is a complex process that involves the adoption of new technologies, processes, and mindsets to improve business operations and customer experience. While the benefits of digital transformation are numerous, there are also several challenges and risks that organizations must overcome to ensure a successful transformation. Overcoming Resistance to Change Many employees may resist the changes that come with digital transformation, as they fear for their jobs and report feeling uncomfortable with new technologies. To overcome resistance, organizations must communicate the benefits of digital transformation and create a supportive environment that encourages experimentation and innovation. It is also important to involve employees in the transformation process by soliciting their feedback and ideas. This can help to build buy-in and ownership of the transformation, making it more likely to succeed. Ensuring Data Security and Privacy With the increased use of digital tools come new risks, such as data breaches and cyber threats. Organizations must put in place robust security measures to protect their data and that of their customers. They must also comply with regulatory requirements such as the GDPR and CCPA that govern the collection, use, and storage of personal data. Ensuring data security and privacy requires a multi-faceted approach that includes technology, policies, and training. Organizations must invest in security technologies such as firewalls, encryption, and intrusion detection systems, and develop policies and procedures to train employees. Managing the Integration of New Technologies New technology can present challenges revolving around compatibility issues and a lack of technical skills. To manage the integration successfully, organizations need to invest in training, create a digital roadmap, and bring in external expertise where necessary. Remember to identify the technologies that will be adopted and the timeline for their implementation, to make way for a well-planned and successful execution. Addressing Skill Gaps and Workforce Adaptation Digital transformation requires a workforce with a new set of skills, such as data analytics, digital marketing, and agile methodology. Organizations must invest in training their employees to ensure they have the skills necessary to drive digital transformation successfully. Additionally, they must adopt a workforce planning approach that considers the evolving needs of the organization as it transforms. Utilize a strategic approach that includes identifying the skills that are needed, developing training programs, and recruiting new talent where necessary. Remember to also consider how the transformation will impact their workforce and develop plans to manage any potential disruptions. Conclusion Ultimately, digital transformation has revolutionized the modern business landscape, creating new opportunities and new challenges. Organizations that embrace digital transformation can transform their operations and drive business growth, while those that resist will risk being left behind. By understanding the key components of digital transformation, its role in business strategy, its impacts on various industries, and the challenges and risks associated with it, organizations can get started on creating effective digital transformation strategies that drive success in the digital age. Harness the potential of digital transformation with Wrike's cutting-edge project management tools. Begin your free trial now and adapt your strategic operations to the demands of the modern business landscape.     Try Wrike for free   Note: This article was created with the assistance of an AI engine. It has been reviewed and revised by our team of experts to ensure accuracy and quality.

How Does a Program Director Shape Business Transformation?
Leadership 7 min read

How Does a Program Director Shape Business Transformation?

Business transformation is a complex and dynamic process that requires a strong leader to navigate successfully. This is where a Program Director comes in. As the person responsible for overseeing and managing the entire transformation initiative, a Program Director has a crucial, multifaceted role to play in shaping the direction and outcomes of the project.  In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the key responsibilities and skills necessary to be an effective Program Director, the various stages of business transformation and this individual’s involvement in each stage, the importance of aligning business transformation with organizational goals, and common challenges faced during the transformation process.   Try Wrike for free Understanding the Role of a Program Director in Business Transformation It is the Program Director's job to ensure that the project is executed smoothly and within budget and delivers the desired outcomes, while simultaneously minimizing risks and managing stakeholder expectations. This requires strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills, as well as the ability to manage complex projects and make tough decisions under pressure. Key Responsibilities of a Program Director Some key responsibilities of a Program Director include: Defining the scope and objectives of the transformation initiative: Work with the executive team to define these elements. This is necessary to identify the areas of the organization that need to be transformed and to set realistic goals for the project. Creating a plan, timeline, and budget: Develop a detailed plan with a reasonable timeline using the allocated budget.  Identifying and managing risks and dependencies: Identify the risks and dependencies associated with the project, activate measures to mitigate them, and develop contingency plans in case of unforeseen events. Coordinating and managing resources, teams, and stakeholders: Coordinate and manage the aforementioned to ensure that everyone is working towards the same goal and that communication is clear and effective. Ensuring quality assurance and compliance with regulations and standards: Verify that the project meets the required quality standards and complies with all relevant regulations and standards. Monitoring and reporting progress and outcomes to executive management: Communicate these to the executive management team, keep the project on track, and address all problems in a timely manner.  Essential Skills for Effective Program Directors Effective Program Directors possess a unique combination of skills, such as: Strong leadership and management skills to motivate and inspire their team to achieve the project goals. The ability to identify potential problems before they occur and come up with creative solutions to complex problems, sometimes on the fly. Excellent communication skills to communicate goals and progress effectively and manage stakeholders. Strong project and program management skills to complete tasks on time and within budget. Superior change management and risk management skills to manage risks and evaluate changes.  Excellent understanding of finance and business to deliver a positive return on investment.  The Stages of Business Transformation and the Program Director's Involvement The process of business transformation is a complex and dynamic one, involving several stages that require careful planning, coordination, and execution. The Program Director's involvement in each stage may vary depending on the project's complexity and scope. Nonetheless, they play a critical role in ensuring that the initiative is successful and achieves its intended outcomes. Assessing the Need for Change Identify the business challenges, opportunities, and risks that require transformative actions by working closely with the organization’s leadership team. Facilitate discussions and workshops with key stakeholders and conduct feasibility studies and assessments. Based on all information gathered and everybody’s feedback, develop a comprehensive assessment report that outlines the business case for change, including the risks and benefits of the proposed transformation initiative, the expected outcomes and impact, and the resources required to execute the plan. Developing a Transformation Strategy Define your vision, goals, and objectives for the initiative, as well as the roadmap and priorities for achieving them. Work with the leadership team to accomplish this and gather input and feedback from various stakeholders.  The goal is to craft a compelling strategy that is realistic, achievable, and aligned with the organization's goals and values. Be sure to include details on how to manage any risks and issues that surface. Implementing the Transformation Plan Work closely with the project teams to ensure that they have the necessary resources, tools, and support to execute the plan effectively. Monitor the progress of the initiative, track the performance and outcomes of each workstream and project, and make adjustments along the way. Also, be sure to maintain open communication with stakeholders by providing regular updates on the initiative's progress and addressing any concerns or issues that arise. Monitoring Progress and Adjusting as Needed Progress must be monitored and then reported to executive management because the information will be collected and used to make data-driven decisions that optimize the project's outcomes. Again, be sure to keep your stakeholders updated throughout this entire process. Try Wrike for free Aligning Business Transformation with Organizational Goals Work with the executive team and other stakeholders to ensure that the transformation initiative supports the organization's strategic objectives and addresses the current and emerging challenges and opportunities. Ensuring Stakeholder Buy-in One common challenge faced during business transformation is resistance to change. Mitigate this challenge by engaging with stakeholders and ensuring their buy-in and commitment to the transformation initiative. This requires effective communication and collaboration skills, as well as the ability to address concerns and objections in a constructive and transparent manner. Communicating the Vision and Benefits of Transformation Another critical aspect of stakeholder management is communicating the vision and benefits of the transformation initiative. This involves developing a compelling and inspiring narrative that highlights the opportunities and benefits of the transformation initiative, as well as the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders. Potential strategies would be crafting messages that resonate with different audiences and leveraging multiple channels to deliver the message. Balancing Short-term and Long-term Objectives A final challenge faced during business transformation is balancing short-term and long-term objectives. Balance the need for quick wins and tangible outcomes with the need for sustained and comprehensive change. This demands careful planning, prioritization, and resource allocation, along with the ability to communicate the rationale and expected outcomes of different initiatives. Overcoming Common Challenges in Business Transformation Business transformation is a complex and dynamic process that presents several challenges and risks. Let’s examine a few of them more closely. Managing Resistance to Change One common challenge faced during business transformation is resistance to change. This can manifest in different forms, such as skepticism, apathy, or active opposition. Identify the root causes of resistance and develop effective strategies to address them. This may involve developing a change management plan, engaging with key stakeholders, providing training and support, and communicating the benefits and rationale of the transformation initiative. Navigating Resource Constraints Another common challenge faced during business transformation is navigating resource constraints. This may include limited budgets, a shortage of skilled professionals, or competing priorities. Prioritize resources based on the initiative's strategic objectives, as well as identify and leverage alternative sources of support and collaboration. Ensuring Effective Collaboration and Communication A final challenge faced during business transformation is ensuring effective collaboration and communication. Remember to work closely with different stakeholders, including executive management, project teams, external partners, and customers. It is essential to develop effective communication channels and protocols that ensure transparency, clarity, and efficiency. Conclusion Business transformation is a challenging process that requires a strong leader to navigate successfully. The Program Director plays a crucial role in shaping the direction and outcomes of the transformation initiative, from assessing the need for change to developing a transformation strategy, implementing the plan, monitoring progress, and overcoming common challenges.  To be an effective Program Director, one needs to possess a unique combination of skills, such as leadership, strategic thinking, communication, project management, change management, and financial and business acumen. By aligning the transformation initiative with the organization's goals and values, engaging with stakeholders, and mitigating risks and challenges, the Program Director can deliver a successful transformation initiative that drives long-term growth and value creation for the organization. Enable program directors to shape business transformation using Wrike's comprehensive work management solution. Begin your free trial now and leverage the power of targeted planning, collaboration, and execution.     Try Wrike for free   Note: This article was created with the assistance of an AI engine. It has been reviewed and revised by our team of experts to ensure accuracy and quality.

How Quiet Hiring Can Help Companies and Employees Weather Economic Uncertainty
Leadership 7 min read

How Quiet Hiring Can Help Companies and Employees Weather Economic Uncertainty

Quiet hiring is a key work trend for 2023. Learn how it’s affecting companies and employees as they weather economic uncertainty.

Dark Matter of Work: The Cost of Work Complexities in The PMO
Project Management 5 min read

Dark Matter of Work: The Cost of Work Complexities in The PMO

Efficiency is everything for organizations – especially as we face a possible recession and mass layoffs continue. Plus, the way we work continues to evolve and become more complex, causing efficiency to suffer even more. Over the past few years, modern work complexities have been eating away at your bottom line through an invisible yet powerful presence in your organization — what we call the Dark Matter of Work. Just as CERN identified Dark Matter as the “invisible” content that makes up 95% of the mass of the universe, the Dark Matter of Work represents activity and details that we can’t immediately see but that have a significant influence on everything around it. From the tools we use to conduct our work to where and when we execute it, work complexities have truly exploded in recent years and will only become more complicated over time — making it increasingly difficult for employees and business leaders to get visibility into work and truly understand work in progress. Wrike is focused on shining a light on the Dark Matter of Work. That’s why we recently commissioned research to investigate its impact on PMO leaders, employees, and organizations as a whole. We wanted to understand to what extent Dark Matter exists and discover the financial cost of Dark Matter affecting us all. The results are staggering and can point PMOs towards key ways they can increase efficiency to endure the unknown economic future. Let’s explore the results. Impact on the PMO While we cannot “see” the Dark Matter of Work, we can identify where it exists. It lives in synchronous applications and unstructured work, such as instant message threads and video calls, as well as the gaps between systems and applications that aren’t integrated. Without a single work platform that is powerful and versatile enough to track, manage, action, and align all work to goals across an organization, there exists a dangerously low level of visibility amongst knowledge workers and leaders. At present, most project managers and PMO leaders generally have little visibility into the work their teams are doing and cannot track the progress of much of that work in real time. And if we ask knowledge workers, they say employer visibility into their work is even lower — suggesting there may be more Dark Matter of Work than we think. Wasted time Time wasted on activities such as repeating work that’s already been done, attending unproductive meetings, or following up on actions and statuses costs the average enterprise millions. The cost of the Dark Matter of Work The total cost of Dark Matter for PMOs and project managers is quite substantial and will continue to increase exponentially unless addressed. Low visibility For business and PMO leaders, visibility into work has only increased slightly since 2020 — from 48% to 51%. And other project managers are struggling to view their assignments and expectations. More human costs Amid the Great Resignation, the mass layoffs, and the continuing remote work environment, PMOs must work to address the human costs of the Dark Matter of Work, as well. Too many applications As hybrid work continues, PMOs rely more and more on applications to stay connected. But many of these tech tools do not integrate with each other, decreasing visibility, increasing wasted time, and resulting in duplicative work. Plus, app integration is also moving at a slow pace from 2020 (43%) to now (49%). Looking ahead If left unchecked, Dark Matter will increase by 42% in the next five years. According to the survey, the projected cost of Dark Matter in 2027 looks to be: How can you minimize these costs? A single source of truth is essential. PMOs need a solution that is robust enough to manage and orchestrate complex workflows and simple enough for team members to use. The organization with full visibility into these workflows and applications and the data they create at all levels will be best equipped to overcome the impacts of the Dark Matter of Work and come out on top. For more on the Dark Matter of Work, its costs, and the solutions, check out the full report here — and usher in a new age of digital collaboration. Or start a free two-week trial of Wrike today to see how our work management solution can centralize work and increase efficiency for your PMO!

Dark Matter of Work: The Cost of Work Complexities in Professional Services
Productivity 5 min read

Dark Matter of Work: The Cost of Work Complexities in Professional Services

Over the past few years, modern work complexities have been eating away at your bottom line through an invisible yet powerful presence in your organization — what we call the Dark Matter of Work. Just as CERN identified Dark Matter as the “invisible” content that makes up 95% of the mass of the universe, the Dark Matter of Work represents activity and details that we can’t immediately see but that have a significant influence on everything around them. From the tools we use to conduct our work to where and when we execute it, work complexities have truly exploded in recent years and will only become more complicated over time — making it increasingly difficult for employees and business leaders to get visibility and truly understand work in progress.  Wrike is focused on shining a light on the Dark Matter of Work. That’s why we recently commissioned research to investigate its impact on professional services leaders, employees, and organizations as a whole. We wanted to understand to what extent Dark Matter exists and discover the financial cost of Dark Matter affecting us all. The results are staggering and can point business leaders towards key ways they can increase efficiency to endure the unknown economic future. Let’s dive into what we found. Impact on professional services While we cannot “see” the Dark Matter of Work, we can identify where it exists. It lives in asynchronous applications and unstructured work, such as instant message threads and video calls, as well as the gaps between systems and applications that aren’t integrated. Without a single work platform that is powerful and versatile enough to track, manage, action, and align all work to goals across an organization, there exists a dangerously low level of visibility amongst knowledge workers and leaders. At present, most professional services leaders generally have little visibility into the work their teams are doing and can’t track the progress of much of that work in real time. And if we ask knowledge workers, they say employer visibility into their work is even lower — suggesting there may be more Dark Matter of Work than we think.  Wasted time Time wasted on activities such as repeating work that’s already been done, attending unproductive meetings, or following up on actions and statuses costs the average enterprise millions. The cost of the Dark Matter of Work The total cost of Dark Matter for professional services teams is quite substantial and will continue to increase exponentially unless addressed. Low visibility For business and professional services leaders, visibility into work has only increased slightly since 2020 — from 51% to 57%. And other professional services workers are struggling to view their assignments and expectations. More human costs Amid the Great Resignation, mass layoffs, and continuing remote work environment, professional services teams must work to address the human costs of the Dark Matter of Work, as well. Too many applications As hybrid work continues, professional services teams rely more and more on applications to connect them. But many of these tech tools don’t integrate with each other, decreasing visibility, increasing wasted time, and resulting in duplicative work. Plus, app integration is also moving at a slow pace from 2020 (46%) to now (53%). Illuminating the path ahead If left unchecked, Dark Matter will increase by 49% in the next five years. According to the survey, the projected cost of Dark Matter in 2027 looks to be: How can you minimize these costs? A single source of truth is essential. Professional services teams need an approach that is robust enough to manage and orchestrate complex workflows and simple enough for team members to use. The organization with full visibility into these workflows and applications and the data they create will be best equipped to overcome the impacts of the Dark Matter of Work and come out on top. For more on the Dark Matter of Work, its costs, and the solutions, check out the full report here — and usher in a new age of digital collaboration. Or start a free two-week trial of Wrike today to see how our work management solution can centralize work and increase efficiency for your professional services team!

Dark Matter of Work: The Cost of Work Complexities in Marketing
Productivity 5 min read

Dark Matter of Work: The Cost of Work Complexities in Marketing

As the looming recession approaches and mass layoffs continue, your organization’s efficiency is under more and more scrutiny. And as the way we work continues to evolve and become more complex, your efficiency begins to suffer. Over the past few years, modern work complexities have been eating away at your bottom line through an invisible yet powerful presence in your organization — what we call the Dark Matter of Work. Just as CERN identified Dark Matter as the “invisible” content that makes up 95% of the mass of the universe, the Dark Matter of Work represents activity and details that we can’t immediately see but that have a significant influence on everything around it. From the tools we use to conduct our work to where and when we execute it, work complexities have truly exploded in recent years and will only become more complicated over time — making it increasingly difficult for employees and business leaders to get visibility into work and truly understand work in progress.  Wrike is focused on shining a light on the Dark Matter of Work. That’s why we recently commissioned research to investigate its impact on marketing leaders, employees, and organizations as a whole. We wanted to understand to what extent Dark Matter exists and discover the financial cost of Dark Matter affecting us all. The results are staggering and can point marketers towards key ways they can increase efficiency to endure the unknown economic future. Let’s dive into what we found. Impact on marketers and creative agencies While we cannot “see” the Dark Matter of Work, we can identify where it exists. It lives in synchronous applications and unstructured work, such as instant message threads and video calls, as well as the gaps between systems and applications that aren’t integrated. Without a single work platform that is powerful and versatile enough to track, manage, action, and align all work to goals across an organization, there exists a dangerously low level of visibility amongst knowledge workers and leaders. At present, most marketing leaders generally have little visibility into the work their teams are doing and cannot track the progress of much of that work in real time. And if we ask knowledge workers, they say employer visibility into their work is even lower — suggesting there may be more Dark Matter of Work than we think.  Wasted time Time wasted on activities such as repeating work that’s already been done, attending unproductive meetings, or following up on actions and statuses costs the average enterprise millions. In fact, for marketing departments and creative agencies, the biggest loss of money is from wasted time. Greater cost of the Dark Matter of Work The total cost of Dark Matter for marketing departments and creative agencies is more than those for any other department.  Low visibility For business and marketing leaders, visibility into work has only increased slightly since 2020 — from 52% to 55%. And other marketing professionals are struggling to view their assignments and expectations. More human costs Amid the Great Resignation, mass layoffs, and continuing remote work environment, marketing departments and creative agencies must work to address the human costs of the Dark Matter of Work, as well. Too many martech apps As hybrid work continues, marketing departments and creative agencies rely more and more on applications to connect them. But many of these martech tools do not integrate with each other, decreasing visibility, increasing wasted time, and resulting in duplicative work. Plus, app integration is also moving at a slow pace from 2020 (45%) to now (52%). Illuminating the path ahead If left unchecked, Dark Matter will increase by 62% in the next five years. According to the survey, the projected cost of Dark Matter in 2027 looks to be: How can you minimize these costs? A single source of truth is essential. Marketing departments need an approach that is robust enough to manage and orchestrate complex workflows and simple enough for team members to use. The organization with full visibility into these workflows and applications and the data they create at all levels will be best equipped to overcome the impacts of the Dark Matter of Work and come out on top. For more on the Dark Matter of Work, its costs, and the solutions, check out the full report here — and usher in a new age of digital collaboration. Or start a free two-week trial of Wrike today to see how our work management solution can centralize work and increase efficiency for your marketing department or creative agency!

Do More With Less: How To Cope With the Hidden Cost of Layoffs
Productivity 5 min read

Do More With Less: How To Cope With the Hidden Cost of Layoffs

If your company has experienced layoffs, you may be asked to absorb projects and tasks. Here’s how you can create the capacity to take on more.

How Wrike Puts Strategy, Goals, and Sprints in Sync
Productivity 10 min read

How Wrike Puts Strategy, Goals, and Sprints in Sync

A company with a big product or product portfolio has to work to synchronize strategy with the daily efforts of each employee. If teams act out of order, the strategy remains just a beautiful document. In this article, we’ll unveil how our company aligns goals at different levels, what goals are set at different stages of planning, and who is involved in planning. Wrike has three levels of product goals: Annual Quarterly Team-specific sprint goals At each level, there are employees who build processes and are responsible for achieving the goals. Strategy and annual goals Wrike has a company strategy and a product strategy that supports it. To understand how they relate, let’s look at an example. If a company wants to operate more in the enterprise segment, certain product changes should follow — that is product strategy. Company strategy is much broader. In addition to product changes, we need, for example, to change the way we hire people in the sales department, restructure marketing, etc. Company strategy is about which market segments we want to go into, while product strategy is about how the product needs to be changed to enter these segments effectively. Since product strategy and company strategy are closely related, their updates occur synchronously. We usually review the strategy once a year. Company strategy is the ​​responsibility of the executive team, in which the product organization is represented by the VP of Product. The executive team meets regularly and, as a result, defines the overall strategy of the company. That is how it becomes clear what we want to achieve as a company. The product team is less involved in this process: for example, the VP of Product can ask someone to work on a specific issue or prepare the necessary data. The product team is much more involved in product strategy. The VP of Product is responsible for this process and all product teams are engaged. To better understand the product strategy process, it is important to understand how our product team is structured. It consists of separate divisions (units). Each unit has its own leader. In this article, we will call them Lead Product Manager, but it can also be the Director of Product or Senior Product Manager. Within the units there are product teams, each headed by a product manager. The formation of the product strategy takes place in two directions: top-to-bottom and bottom-to-top. Top-to-bottom is the general vector of product development formed by the VP of Product. To do this, they use different input data: company strategy, general market trends, competitive research, reports from analytical agencies like Gartner, product sales analytics (e.g., stronger segments, growing segments, etc.). All this information helps us understand what to focus on. In addition, it allows us to understand our limitations. What resources can we invest in product development this year? What percentage do we need to spend on mandatory support processes, such as improving the technical platform and fixing defects? Top-to-bottom direction forms the framework within which concrete proposals for strategic initiatives need to be formulated. Bottom-to-top direction is ideas for strategic initiatives from the product team. They are formulated by Lead Product Managers but generally, they first consult with product managers from their unit. This is an opportunity for PMs to submit their ideas and participate in the formation of product strategy. When all proposals are collected, they are discussed at a series of meetings of unit leaders, where each idea is evaluated. We consider investment areas that will later be included in the product strategy according to different criteria. The prioritization processes are constantly refined and improved. For example, we can calculate the possible ROI from the implementation of some idea, see how it fits within the company strategy, and evaluate each idea according to ICE. After discussions and prioritization, the VP of Product analyzes the results and draws up the product strategy for the next year. The formed strategy first goes through a feedback loop. Lead product managers carefully study and discuss it, and then bring it to a meeting of all product managers. The output is a refined product strategy: Investment mix: This includes where and how much in percentage we will invest this year. High-level product goals of the year: An example of such a goal could be to release a solution for a new market segment or make the product cover some new big business needs. High-level goals serve as inspiration and usually turn out to be quite abstract in the sense that it is not at all obvious how exactly these goals can be achieved. There should be quite a few such goals. This year we have three of them. For each goal, we define a core metric on how we will measure success. Specific sub-objectives for each goal: These chart the path to the higher-level goals that we all believe in as a team. At the same time, this path is still formulated quite abstractly at the level of intermediate goals that we want to achieve, not specific features. For example, I’m currently in charge of a goal called “Improve Configurability of Platform.” A specific Lead Product Manager is responsible for each of its sub-objectives. Their task at the planning stage is to clarify the sub-objectives and, together with the product analyst, determine the metrics for those. We will work on the goal metric throughout the year, so for the metrics at the sub-objective level, we set quarterly goals. Quarterly Goals Quarterly goals stem from the sub-objectives defined during the yearly planning and may, to a limited extent, overlap with them. By the beginning of quarterly planning, we already have, in first approximation, Objectives (sub-objectives for top-level annual goals) and Key Results (goals for the metrics that we have defined for each quarter). But since the beginning of the year, some changes could have occurred, so some of the goals may be revised. We may decide not to work on some goals in the next quarter and instead focus only on part of the goals. There may also be additional new targets in a particular quarter. Like annual goals, quarterly goals are first discussed between the VP of Product and Lead Product Managers (who confer with their product management team). After discussing quarterly goals with unit leaders, the VP of Product presents quarterly goals at a general meeting of all product managers, answers questions, and collects feedback. The next task for product managers is to propose concrete initiatives that will help achieve this goal and the desired change in the metric. Ideas for initiatives are discussed within the unit with all product and development managers (after all, initiatives must be realistic). We hired unit managers in our company to be responsible for development within units. They help to plan how, where, and which teams to assign. Plus, the teams themselves can assess their capabilities and understand which initiatives they are ready to take on in the next quarter and which they are not. Ideas may also require discussion with other teams and units. Wrike is a large and complex product and you often need the help of other teams to achieve a goal. In order to properly formulate quarterly plans, it is necessary to take into account and calculate all these dependencies and agree on how we will achieve the overall result. After all discussions, plans are brought into the Wrike app, which is our main management tool. To make sure that we have the same understanding of what the plans turned out to be and why, a general meeting is held, at which the Lead Product Managers present the plans of the unit. The meeting is attended by all product managers and development managers, as well as everyone who wants to. Sprint Goals A specific team is responsible for sprint goals, including their product manager. All teams at Wrike work according to Scrum with a two-week iteration (very convenient when the planning cycle is aligned across the entire company). Specific processes can seriously differ from team to team. It has to be convenient for the team, while all the company requires is for each team to have a product increment at least once every two weeks that brings us closer to the common goal. The team as a whole builds sprint goals to achieve the quarterly goals that we jointly formulated for the quarter. Usually, the team highlights progress against quarterly goals on the Sprint Review. All teams try to set ambitious goals, so sprint goals are sometimes not met. We believe that this is not a big deal because the team is tasked to plan each sprint so that the unit gets closer to the overall quarterly goal. Planning tools We try to make the most of the Wrike app, at least for dogfooding purposes. You can build different levels and hierarchies of goals. We feed it annual goals, sub-objectives, quarterly plans with metrics, and even sprint goals. Goals can be viewed in different sections. For example, if a product manager plans sprints, they may not look at other goal hierarchies at all. At the same time, the connection between the levels is preserved and can always be traced or visualized. We use Wrike primarily for the implementation stage. The development of different options for plans and brainstorming is often done in Excel or Miro since those are better suited for working with unstructured data. Structure of goals in Wrike Company strategy (exec team) — annually Product strategy — annually. Driver — VP of Product Inputs: Company strategy Market data (trends, analysts, competitors, win/loss, etc.) Current investment mix Proposed areas of investments (Lead PMs in collaboration with PMs) -> evaluation Outcome: Investment mix Annual goals with metrics (three this year) Sub-objectives with metrics (e.g., improve configurability of the platform) Objective priorities Each objective has a responsible Lead PM who refines the definition and drives metrics discussion Feedback loop Quarterly goals: Sub-objectives for this quarter Suggested by VP Product, feedback loop Clarified metrics for the quarter — Lead PM + Analyst Proposed initiatives — PMs+teams, discussed with Lead PM, presented to a broader group Cross-unit dependencies resolving Sprint goal (Set by PM + team) This article was written by a Wriker, in Wrike. See what it’s like to work with us and what career development opportunities we offer here. Also, hear from our founder, Andrew Filev, about Wrike’s culture and values, the ways we work and appreciate Wrikers, and more here.

Do More With Less: Wrike Is Ready to Help You Thrive
Productivity 5 min read

Do More With Less: Wrike Is Ready to Help You Thrive

Everyone is being asked to do more with less, and Wrike is ready to help. In our latest blog series, we offer advice on how to maximize output with fewer resources.