Merriam-Webster dictionary defines priority as, ‘what matters most.’.

Prioritizing is usually seen as an individual skill that some are good at, others not so much. One of the most important challenges that an individual in organizations faces today is how to prioritize their strategies, objectives, projects, and their day-to-day activities. 

Surprisingly, this is one of the least understood and most neglected areas!

Purpose: What is the purpose of the organization and how is that purpose best pursued? What is the strategic vision supporting this purpose

Priorities: Given the stated purpose and vision, what matters most to the organization now and in the future? What are its priorities now and over the next two to five years?

Projects: Based on the answers to the first two points, which projects are the most strategic and should be resourced to the hilt? Which projects align with the purpose, vision, and priorities, and which should be stopped or scrapped?

People: Now that there is clarity around the strategic priorities and the projects that matter most, who are the best people to execute on those projects?

Performance: Traditionally, project performance indicators are tied to inputs (e.g., scope, cost, and time). They are much easier to track than outputs (such as benefits, impact, and goals).