How do you ensure that a program or project stays on track and meets its objectives?

Here are 10 steps that will help you to ensure that the project is on track:

1. Establish clear objectives and goals: It's important to have a clear understanding of what the program or project is meant to accomplish, and to establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives and goals.

2. Develop a plan: A well-thought-out plan can help to ensure that the program or project stays on track and achieves its objectives. This might include creating a timeline, identifying resources and budget requirements, and defining tasks and responsibilities.

3. Communicate the plan to team members and stakeholders: It's important to clearly communicate the plan to team members and stakeholders, so that everyone is aware of their roles and responsibilities and how they contribute to the overall success of the program or project.

4. Adjust the plan as needed: As the program or project progresses, it's important to be open to making adjustments to the plan as needed to ensure that the program or project stays on track. Be flexible and adaptable.

5. Monitor progress: Regularly monitoring progress can help to identify any issues or challenges that arise and allow for timely course correction.

6. Use key performance indicators (KPIs): Identifying and tracking specific KPIs can help to measure if a program is on track or not? These might include metrics such as percent code complete, progress against timelines, NPS score as part of beta testing etc. 

7. Use project management tools: There are a variety of tools and techniques, such as Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and project management software, that can help a program manager to track progress, identify and address issues, and keep the program or project on track.

8. Manage risks and issues: It's important to identify and manage risks and issues that might arise during the course of the program or project. This might involve developing contingency plans or implementing risk mitigation strategies.

9. Seek feedback and be open to input: Asking for feedback and being open to the input of team members and stakeholders can help to identify any issues or challenges that need to be addressed in order to keep the program or project on track.

10. Foster a culture of continuous improvement: Encouraging team members to identify opportunities for improvement and implementing changes can help to ensure that the program or project stays on track and meets its objectives.