Why is it important to define success criteria early in the program?

Defining success criteria early in the program is crucial because it establishes clear expectations and targets for evaluation. When success criteria are laid out from the beginning, all stakeholders have a shared understanding of what the program aims to achieve. This clarity aids in guiding the program's direction, aligning team efforts, and enabling consistent measures of progress.

Setting these criteria early ensures that everyone involved is on the same page regarding what constitutes success, which helps in making informed decisions throughout the program's lifecycle. It also facilitates accountability, as teams can assess performance against these predefined benchmarks. This leads to better resource allocation, stakeholder communication, and overall program effectiveness, as it provides a way to navigate toward desired outcomes while mitigating risks.