What can be a potential outcome of not clearly defining the future state?

Not clearly defining the future state can lead to a misalignment in objectives and goals. This outcome stems from the ambiguity that comes from a lack of a shared vision or understanding of what success looks like after a project is completed. When stakeholders do not have a clear picture of the desired future state, it becomes difficult to align their efforts and contributions effectively. Different team members or departments may prioritize varying goals based on their interpretations of what the future should hold, which can result in duplicative efforts, conflicting initiatives, and wasted resources.

In addition, a well-defined future state is crucial for providing clear guidance for decision-making throughout the project. Without this clarity, it becomes challenging to evaluate whether actions taken are truly moving toward the intended outcomes. This misalignment can hinder a project’s success and ultimately impact overall stakeholder satisfaction, as expectations may not be met.