Too long we have used the terminologies such as Projects and Phases. It’s time to make the shift! Let’s overhaul our dictionary and start using terminologies such as MVPs and MVIs. Why such a big fuss about terminology itself?

The terminology, the words we use influence our actions. The words that we use to describe things, to ourselves and our partners, affect that way we think. The thoughts affect our actions and eventually, the words have the influence on the Results that we seek. We do not want the handoffs, from one stage gate to other stage gates. Instead, we want to drive our efforts to put something, even a smaller increment of the product, in the hands of our Customers.

Shift the focus from Phases and onto creating Value. Identify the deliverables, no matter how small a product increment, that brings value to a customer. As Maryellen Weimer ( @FacultyFocus ) writes in her article, language has tremendous power to influence our thoughts and actions.

In his list of 7 Habits, Steven Covey recommends starting with an end state of mind! Identify MMP and MVIs and let them drive your development and deliveries.