Have you ever been excited about a new technology or team project, only to find yourself waiting months to see any real benefits? That frustrating delay between starting something new and actually getting value from it is what experts call "time to value." The longer this takes, the more risk builds up in your project.
In this article, we'll look at how to "squeeze the risk out" by spotting and fixing the most common roadblocks that slow down value delivery in big technology and collaboration projects.
Why Time to Value Matters
When projects take too long to deliver benefits, several problems can happen:
- People lose interest and stop using the new system
- Money gets wasted on solutions nobody fully uses
- Teams become frustrated and return to old ways of working
- Leadership questions whether the project was worth it
The good news? Most delays are predictable and preventable if you know what to look for.
Common Roadblocks and How to Clear Them
1. The Setup Maze
The Problem: Many projects start with complex technical setups that take weeks or months. This is like planning a road trip but spending days just trying to get your car started.
The Solution: Break the setup into smaller pieces. Focus on getting one simple part working first, even if it doesn't have all the fancy features yet. For example, if you're rolling out a new team communication platform, start with just basic messaging before adding all the integrations and special features.
Risk Reduction Tip: Ask vendors for a "quick start" option that gets basic functions running in days, not weeks.
2. The Training Gap
The Problem: Without proper training, even the best technology sits unused. Many projects provide either too little guidance or overwhelming amounts of information all at once.
The Solution: Create a "minimum training path" that teaches just what people need to get started. Then offer additional training in small, digestible chunks. Use short videos, simple checklists, and real examples from your own organization.
Risk Reduction Tip: Identify "power users" in each department who can help others and provide day-to-day support.
3. Feature Overload
The Problem: Too many features at once confuse users. When people face too many options, they often choose the easiest one: sticking with what they already know.
The Solution: Start with core features that deliver clear benefits. Introduce advanced features gradually after people are comfortable with the basics.
Risk Reduction Tip: Create a feature rollout calendar to space out new capabilities over weeks or months instead of all at once.
4. The Technical Glitch Trap
The Problem: Early technical problems create lasting negative impressions. Just a few bugs or performance issues in the first weeks can damage user confidence for months.
The Solution: Test thoroughly before launch, especially the features people will use in their first week. Have a rapid response plan ready for fixing any issues that do appear.
Risk Reduction Tip: Consider a limited rollout to a small, friendly group who can help identify issues before the full organization gets involved.
5. Missing the "Why"
The Problem: Without understanding why a new project matters, people see it as just another task added to their already busy workday.
The Solution: Clearly explain how the project connects to things people already care about. Show how it makes their specific jobs easier or solves problems they've complained about.
Risk Reduction Tip: Create simple before/after comparisons that show the specific benefits for different types of users.
6. Lack of Visible Progress
The Problem: When people can't see how a project is improving, they lose motivation to keep using new systems or processes.
The Solution: Set up clear milestones and celebrate small wins. Share stories about early successes and improvements, even minor ones.
Risk Reduction Tip: Create a simple dashboard that shows progress on key metrics everyone cares about.
7. The Organizational Resistance Wall
The Problem: Even well-designed projects fail when they clash with existing company culture or work patterns.
The Solution: Involve representatives from different teams early in the planning process. Listen to their concerns and adjust your approach to match how people actually work, not how you think they should work.
Risk Reduction Tip: Identify the informal leaders whose opinions matter to others, and make sure they're on board with the changes.
A Practical Approach to Squeezing Out Risk
The most successful projects follow this pattern:
- Start small but visible. Begin with something simple that clearly demonstrates value.
- Focus on quick wins. Prioritize changes that show benefits within weeks, not months.
- Remove barriers, don't just work around them. When you spot a roadblock, fix the underlying issue rather than creating complicated workarounds.
- Celebrate progress openly. Share success stories and improvements to build momentum.
- Listen and adapt. Pay attention to feedback and be willing to change course when something isn't working.
Putting It Into Practice
Before your next big project launches, take time to create a "barrier prevention plan." For each category of potential roadblock, identify specific risks for your situation and how you'll address them.
Remember that the goal isn't just to launch something new—it's to actually improve how work gets done. By systematically removing barriers to time to value, you dramatically increase your chances of creating lasting positive change.
The most successful organizations don't just manage projects—they manage the journey to value. By focusing on removing obstacles rather than just hitting deadlines, you create an environment where new initiatives deliver real benefits faster and with less frustration for everyone involved.
When you squeeze the risk out of time to value, you don't just get faster results—you get better adoption, stronger support, and more meaningful improvements for your entire organization.
