The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. One effective way to identify areas where you can improve is by implementing a formalized procedure to evaluate each of your projects once they are completed. A Post-Project Evaluation should be simple and systematic. When evaluating the project and your performance, you should include the following:

• Adequacy of the schedule
• Adequacy of the budget
• Performance of project management
• Consultants on the project team
• Client satisfaction
• Internal client review

The ultimate judge of your performance will be from your clients. Asking for their evaluation is a great way to determine if you have lived up to their expectations. This can be done with surveys and checklists or by an in-person debrief meeting. You will also want to review the client relationship and determine if you would want to partner on future projects together.

Through this process, you will identify what problems were encountered, how successfully they were resolved, and how similar problems can be avoided in the future.