Mind the Gaps: Why the spaces in your project matter more than you think

Insight
Digital transformation
Business transformation
Software implementation
Team
Technology
Project Management

Ever wondered why projects can seem perfectly planned on paper but start going sideways in reality? The answer often lies “in the gaps” – the spaces between your teams, your suppliers, and even the little details in definitions. When these gaps are left unaddressed, they can quickly become the breeding ground for miscommunication, delays, and poor outcomes. At Create Cadence, we know that bridging these gaps can make the difference between success and chaos.

Let’s take a closer look at why these gaps crop up and how filling them can turn things around.

key fact

I bring in expertise across business, tech, analytics, and data. Having these key functions at Create Cadence has allowed us to establish open lines of communication across all teams, preventing details from slipping through the cracks. We prioritise clarity and steer clear of jargon, ensuring essential information flows smoothly and that everyone - especially the business team - stays fully informed and never overwhelmed by technical language. With regular touchpoints, we keep all teams aligned, so nothing is lost in translation and everyone is working towards the same goal.

key fact

Invest in Acceleration, Not Retraction: Instead of pulling back, consider investing in ways to speed up your project. Bringing in expert help, reallocating resources, or focusing on bottlenecks can help you recover faster and start reaping the benefits sooner.

key fact

Every project needs a guiding star. A successful project requires more than just alignment on tasks; it requires a shared vision. By keeping everyone focused on the project’s core objectives, we help maintain motivation and prevent teams from diverging from the strategic goals.

Spotting the common gaps in projects: 

My role as a programme manager over the years was never simply to manage tasks but to bridge these gaps, ensuring all of my project transformations function as a unified, cohesive system. Here’s how I do it:

  • Gaps Between Teams
    With teams often working in silos, even the most well-planned project can suffer from disconnection. If your teams aren't regularly syncing up the division can lead to misaligned goals, duplicated efforts, or, worse, contradictory workstreams. When teams aren't regularly communicating, they often rely on assumptions rather than facts.
  • Gaps with Suppliers
    Suppliers bring their own ways of working and expertise knowledge, which is great – but it can also mean that your standards, timelines, and definitions don’t quite match up. If they aren’t clear on your expectations, a small misunderstanding can lead to costly delays or compromised quality.
  • Gaps in Definitions and Language
    Imagine your team talks about “go-live,” but everyone has their own idea of what that means. Every project has its unique terminology, but not everyone may interpret terms or requirements the same way. A lack of clear, shared language can lead to errors, with team members believing they’re on the same page when, in reality, they’re heading in different directions. Without a shared understanding of terms, you risk getting to the finish line and finding out it’s not quite what you expected.
  • Gaps in Understanding Requirements and Solutions
    When requirements aren’t 100% clear, you can end up with solutions that miss the mark – It’s like building a puzzle with pieces from different sets. Project requirements and solutions need to be crystal clear for every person involved. When there's a lack of understanding, solutions can drift away from the original goals. As a result, teams may end up delivering something that’s technically correct but strategically off-mark.
  • Gaps Between Expectations and Reality
    Misaligned expectations can be the quickest way to lose trust. When what’s expected doesn’t match what’s achievable, you end up with surprises – and not the good kind, damaging client trust and team morale.

Filling those gaps

My role as a programme manager over the years was never simply to manage tasks but to bridge these gaps, ensuring all of my project transformations function as a unified, cohesive system. Here’s how I do it:

Build Connections for Seamless Communication

{{key-fact}}

Clarify Ownership and Accountability

{{key-fact-2}}

Create a Unified Vision

{{key-fact-3}}

Final thoughts - Bridging the gaps to success

Projects don’t fail because of one big mistake. They fail because of the little gaps that go unchecked, accumulating until they become insurmountable. By focusing on these areas, we not only keep your project on track but help it run like a well-oiled, cohesive system. We act as the connection that binds each element of your project together, allowing your teams to focus on what matters most: delivering results.

At Create Cadence, we don’t just manage projects – we bridge the gaps that hinder success. And we do it with a single, clear mission: to help our clients achieve seamless progress and a unified team effort, every step of the way. Whether you need a quick intervention to get things back on course or full delivery support, we can help you turn things around and start realising the benefits faster. You can view our rate card and service packages here.

Get involved: Take our Project Diagnostic Tool

Assess your team's alignment in just 3 minutes – try it for free. This quick assessment will help you benchmark your team’s understanding and highlight areas for improvement. Participating lets you gain valuable insights that can drive your organisation toward better, faster, and more actionable change.

After receiving your diagnostic tool report, you can book a no-obligation call with our experts to discuss any questions. We're here to help you understand your team's strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring you're ready to tackle challenges head-on. Click here to try the diagnostic tool.

Adam Lawrence
November 11, 2024