In Rapid Results: How 100-Day Projects Build Capacity for Large-Scale Change, authors Robert Schaffer and Ronald Ashkensas say forget about “betting the company” and large-scale change. They say the key to success to small, quick projects that build over time into company-wide change. For this strategy to work, they are very specific about the qualities these projects need to have:

1. Focus on an Important Goal – Everyone from the CEO to the front line worker recognize the need.
2. Produce a Measurable Stretch Result – Pushing for what many consider impossible creates a buzz when it is acheived.
3. Works in the Short Term – Short term focus completely changes the dynamics of the project
4. Pinpoint Clear Accountability – One person needs to be responsible for the success or failure of the project
5. Drives Experimentation – The message needs to be that this is not going to be business as usual.
6. Is Planned and Disciplined – This may seem counterintuitive, but with speed, you need a good plan and good communications.
7. Make Learning a Deliberate Outcome – The project should be a springboard for more projects and more change.