3 experts have described difficult decisions they had to take in one project.
Now think about what was important for them in taking the decision the took. Would they act differently in a different context? Why?
(If you are part of an ongoing PM bootcamp cohort on DEXA, also copy your comment to your group)
German Tamaranebi Marvelous
There will be difficult circumstances that poses to disrupt project. While some of these circumstances are inevitable, making efforts towards solving the problems is a step i would take towards ensuring the project is not terminated. However, some circumstances/ difficulties cannot be fixed, so I’ll have to learn from those experiences and move on.
Olivia Sarah Aber, Project Management Cohort 26, Team 1
The difficult decisions that the experts sighted in the different projects were
(a) Early termination of a project
(b) Simultaneous occurrence of events that required same resource(water) to operate
(c) Language barrier
The early termination of the project was majorly because the outside world had changed and so, the project was no longer a priority, the organizational could have had a more high priority activity to inject resources into, or it could be as a result of technical issues. The solution to this problem was sitting down with the affected parties and holding a round table discussion, making compromises, acknowledging peoples’ feelings of frustration, and the project manager remaining calm and laying down her ego.
The second hard decision to be made was to ensure availability of sufficient water for two simultaneous events. The important decision to make was to ensure that both events happened as and when required with sufficient water flowing. The solution to this problem was engaging several parties such as the Scottish Water who were the providers of the water, the local maintenance team, the organizers of the event and MTD. It was thus agreed that, a two inch connector is constructed just outside the main venue. The collaboration of the different parties ensured that there was also a contingent buffer that was built onto the venue to permit the normal flow of water throughout the time of the games. This buffer was paid for by MTD. In the end, it was a win-win for the two major parties.
The language barrier problem required that the project manager keeps the team united.
I believe the project managers would behave differently if it were different projects in different contexts because
(i) You might find that the stakeholders are different and their expectations/interests/conduct would also be different, thus affecting the decision
(ii) The laws governing the projects may also be different, thus rendering a different approach
(iii) The goal/objective of the project may also be different
(iv) The time and scope of the project may also be different
Thus different project contexts, will require different strategies/approaches to find a solution.
Enobong Faith Asanga
My view is that the three project managers had difficult situations in the different projects they were handling, they had to look for solution to the challenges, yes, the responded differently given the circumstances the faced.And yes in another project the will act differently, because it is not the same situation or project,they would only improve and do better.Whatever decision they will take, it will be base on empathy, clear communication and team work.
Jackqueline Nonhlanhla Onyekpe
Projects can have an element of positive or negative impact, depending on what is at stake at the time of decision. PM and stakeholders have to be proactive, to avoid regrets when taking decision. This is where flexibility, clear communication, understanding, wisdom, reasoning together, paying attention to the facts steps in. In previous dilemma, all three parties avoided attack but approached and confronted the matter with respect, dignity and willingness to hear one another out. All came to common ground leaving everyone feeling good about themselves, feeling good about the company and future possibilities of new proposals or opportunity and working together.
As ugly as the situation may seem, may be expenses involved, effort by the team, expectations and commendation, this may affect their confidence and dedication. So a flexible PM think fast, gather the team and give assurance not to be discouraged.
Through previous experience, failure or deal cancelled, for future purpose they will be on the lookout or alert of red flags in case of new proposals before signing contracts with new clients.
Language barrier and culture of doing things has to be known or discussed upfront to avoid disappointment.
Thank you
Clear and effective Communication to the team members can foster understanding, being truthful about the situation and coming together to bring a solution to the problem.
Handling difficult situation varies from one project to another. the decision you will take in a project when faced with difficult situation differs. So it best to deal with difficult situation as they come learn from it and move forward.
The three Project Managers encountered difficulties in their different projects and I would say yes, that they would act different in another context cause it is a different Project which needs a different strategy to operate but also bearing in mind the values of the organization and also meeting with the client’s needs and expectations
To each project comes a problem that requires a difficult solutional approach which must be carefully done and outweighed. The 3 PMs did what was best at the moment for that project.
To me, I think what was important for them to take the decision was empathy, clear communication, and teamwork.
no, I do not think they would have actwd differently if it were to be in a different context because using the same approach will still yield a positive result.
Idoko’s previous cohort 26
Group 5
What I learned as difficult situation from our tutors where
1:The decision to terminate the project early.
There are various reasons why a project can be discontinued, it could be that the organization has a bigger project, technical problems, funds too etc, and one of the ways to handle this is through compromise.
2:they would be communication issues especially when you’re doing an international project; language barrier and all
3:Contigency method should always be put in place.