Pivot

August 21, 2025
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What is Pivot?

In project management, a pivot is a strategic shift in direction made to respond to new information, changing circumstances, or unexpected challenges. It often involves adjusting a project’s goals, approach, or deliverables while still working within the original framework or timeline. Teams may decide to pivot after evaluating data, stakeholder feedback, or market conditions that suggest the current path may not yield the desired outcomes. This move is not a failure but rather a proactive adjustment meant to increase the likelihood of success.

In agile and iterative project environments, teams commonly use pivots to prioritize flexibility and responsiveness. Although the scale of a pivot can vary—from minor adjustments in scope to a complete redirection—the decision should be based on evidence and aligned with strategic goals. Clear communication and leadership support are critical to ensure all team members understand and embrace the change.

Key Points

  • It involves a deliberate and strategic change in a project’s direction.
  • Teams typically base a pivot on evidence such as performance data or stakeholder feedback.
  • The purpose is to improve outcomes, not to abandon the project entirely.
  • It is common in dynamic environments where adaptability is essential.
  • Successful pivots require strong leadership, team alignment, and clear communication.

Related Terms

  • A change request is often submitted when a pivot requires formal approval for altering the project scope or direction.
  • In an agile setting, frequent iterations allow teams to pivot more easily in response to new insights.
  • A risk assessment may lead to a pivot if certain risks become unacceptable or unavoidable.
  • During a project review, leadership may determine that a pivot is necessary to meet strategic objectives.
  • A stakeholder analysis can reveal shifting needs that justify a pivot in project planning or execution.

Pivot: Example

A software development team initially set out to build a mobile app focused on event ticketing. After beta testing, user feedback showed a more substantial interest in event discovery rather than ticket sales. In response, the team pivoted to emphasize social event sharing and recommendations, adjusting the app’s core features without restarting the project from scratch.

Pivot: Best Practices

  • Use data and evidence to justify the need for a pivot.
  • Communicate the reasons and benefits of the pivot to all stakeholders.
  • Ensure leadership endorses the new direction to maintain team confidence.
  • Update project documentation to reflect the revised goals and plans.
  • Monitor the results of the pivot and remain open to further adjustments if needed.

Additional Resources

Pivot - The Art of Agile Development     Pivot - Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time

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