Business-As-Usual (BAU) Vs Project work!

Project Sponsorship

Business-As-Usual (BAU) work is like engaging in ongoing warfare. Day in, day out, the troops are busy maintaining the front lines, managing the constant demands and challenges. Project work, however, operates like a special task force: its mission is to develop solutions that enhance efficiency, safety, and effectiveness for the troops on the ground.

The primary constraint is resource allocation—getting the right people and tools to shift focus from BAU to project work. When resources are stretched, prioritising project work becomes a strategic challenge.

The risk is clear: if the project team fails to deliver tangible value—whether in the form of improved ROI, streamlined processes, or enhanced operational capacity—it jeopardises long-term progress and can undermine both project and BAU efforts.

The key decision-making revolves around balancing the immediate demands of BAU with the long-term benefits of project work. To navigate this dynamic, leaders must rely on leading indicators—early signals of success or issues—to make timely decisions and avoid firefighting in either area.

The critical question remains: How will you adjust resource allocation, balance priorities, and act on these leading indicators to make a lasting impact in this ongoing business dynamic? The answer lies in managing these tensions effectively, leveraging both foresight and real-time adjustments to ensure both the “war” and the “special operations” succeed.