Stop or re-scope a failing initiative
Few decisions are harder than stopping an initiative. Leaders fear the reputational damage and wasted sunk cost. Yet continuing a failing course consumes more money, time, and trust. The answer is to pivot in a way that is defensible and seen as stewardship.
The problem with waiting too long
Most failing initiatives do not collapse overnight. Warning signs appear slowly: missed milestones, overrun costs, poor outcomes. Without predefined criteria and a structured decision process, leaders delay. The eventual collapse is more visible, more political, and more damaging.
A structured approach
Clarity.’s OnePlan provides a way to pivot early and credibly:
- Set exit criteria early: Define measurable thresholds at initiation.
- Track evidence objectively: Monitor outcomes, risks, speed, and cost throughout delivery.
- Frame the pivot as stewardship: Position the choice as redirecting resources to higher-value work, not retreating.
- Communicate early and often: Share evidence before surprises appear, making the decision feel managed rather than forced.
- Anchor in the Value Map Framework: Show WHY the pivot is needed, WHAT happens next, HOW trade-offs were weighed, and NOW what action follows.
Example in practice
Imagine a digital product showing low adoption despite heavy spend. Using predefined criteria, the team shows user demand is below threshold, benefits are lagging, and costs are higher than expected. They present a Value Map Framework summary recommending re-scoping to a lighter solution. Leadership sees a proactive, evidence-based pivot that preserves value and avoids further waste.
Making confident choices simple
By setting criteria, tracking evidence, and communicating early, pivots become signals of strong stewardship. This is how Clarity. helps leaders protect resources, credibility, and momentum while making tough calls.