Pipeline Accelerator Insight #49: Know When it Pays to Finish Early
Normally, you get more done and create more value by following one simple rule for prioritizing projects. Shared resources go to the projects most at risk of finishing late. This strategy maximizes your overall throughput and growth.
Following this rule keeps your best resources productive. It prevents them from wasting time on minor tasks when critical programs are at risk of stalling.
But this tip is an important exception.
The Survival and Competitive Advantage Exception
Sometimes, an early finish is vital for your business survival. It might also provide a major competitive edge. In these rare cases, you must change your prioritization strategy to prioritize one program above the rest.
These are “must-win” scenarios. Missing a market window by even one week could lead to failure or hit you with a huge opportunity cost. In these moments, speed is more important than standard project throughput.
When Finishing Early Matters Most
- Regulatory Deadlines: Meeting hard cut-off dates for new safety or environmental standards.
- First-to-Market Windows: Securing a patent-protected position in a brand-new category.
- Seasonal Launches: Ensuring products hit industry trade shows or annual buying seasons.
- Outsized Returns: Capturing opportunities with far higher cash flow or cost savings vs. others in the portfolio
Aligning with Leadership
This approach differs from standard priority logic. Because of this, you should discuss it with leadership early. Everyone must be on the same page.
Top-down alignment prevents conflicting priorities. It ensures “fast-track” projects get the resources they need to cross the finish line early.
Creating a Custom Priority Framework
Don’t wait for a crisis to decide how to handle these exceptions. Add a “High-Urgency” tier to your selection criteria now. This keeps your standard portfolio moving while leaving a lane open for urgent wins.
Normally, prioritizing projects at risk of finishing late is the best path to growth. But when big gains or survival are on the line, always give those projects priority for an early finish.
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