What should be defined early to guide a project towards success?

Defining specific project success criteria early in a project is crucial for guiding it towards success because these criteria establish a clear understanding of what success looks like for all stakeholders involved. They help ensure that everyone is aligned on the goals and deliverables of the project, providing a benchmark against which progress can be measured.

By setting these criteria early in the project lifecycle, teams can maintain focus, prioritize tasks effectively, and make informed decisions when challenges arise. Specific success criteria also facilitate communication within the team and with stakeholders, as they clarify expectations and help to manage any changes or scope adjustments that may occur as the project progresses.

While other aspects, such as the technology stack, company policies, and resource allocation limits, are important for project management, they do not directly influence the definition of what constitutes project success in the same way that specific criteria do. Broad company policies may provide a framework, but they typically lack the detail necessary for guiding individual project outcomes. Similarly, understanding resource limitations is vital for planning; however, it does not drive the vision for success as clearly as defined criteria do.