Legendary boxing champion, Muhammad Ali once shared how he used to visualise an entire boxing match days before a fight. While explaining this technique which he called “future history”, Ali said he would picture himself taking the long walk to the ring side amid flashing cameras, loud cheers, background music and ring side announcement. He would picture himself stare into his opponents eyes, the jabs, hooks, uppercuts and finally, his arms in the air, victorious, surrounded by roaring cheers from fans.
Ali was not the only one who did this mental exercise. Musical icons like Michael Jackson and Beyonce Knowles also talked about mentally picturing their events.
Can this method work for anybody?
I have been on projects where stakeholders kept coming to the team with new requirements because they were unable to decide which direction the project should go. Challenges like this often lead to scope creep – the nightmare of many product owners.
As a Designer, I have had the opportunity of trying the visualisation technique out a few times before starting a project with my team, and I can admit that it has been very helpful, especially when relating with stakeholders.
What is Mental Visualisation?
Mental visualisation involves creating vivid, detailed images in your mind of what you want to achieve. This process helps you plan, anticipate challenges, and stay focused on your goals. For designers, project managers, product owners and business analysts, mental visualisation can be a strategic way to foresee project outcomes, anticipate potential changes, and prepare responses to keep the project on track.
What are Some of the Benefits of Visualisation?
Admittedly, one might not be able to exercise control over the entire length and breadth of a project, but spending some time to picture the project and how it would be delivered has tremendous benefits that will help avoid scope creep which may lead to delay, budget overrun and possible terminations.
Visualising the entire project will help you do the following:
- Define Clear Objectives and Map Project Plan:
By picturing the entire project, including the deliverables, timelines and resources required, you will be able to define the project objectives and scope; identify risks and dependencies; picture timelines and milestones. The mental picture will serve as a reference point throughout the course of the project and help you maintain focus.
- Identify Potential Scope Creep Triggers:
This might seem difficult, but the process would often help you imagine scenarios that might lead to scope creep, such as requests for additional features and changes in requirements. Like a professional chess player, you might be able to anticipate how these extra requests might affect the timeline which might help you push back or accommodate.
- Develop Robust Response Strategies:
Once you are able to identify some potential triggers, visualisation can help you rehearse some responses which in turn will help you approach the situation with confidence.
- Communicate Clearly:
From developing response strategies, you can envision the best method of communication that will be required and the best approach for each stakeholder. Visualisation will help you handle requests for changes ensuring that the stakeholders understand the impact of their requests on the project.
- Reinforce Boundaries:
Setting clear boundaries with stakeholders might seem a bit tough especially when starting out, but it is always very necessary. Visualisation helps you do this confidently.