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)
As a project manager, difficult decisions must be made. When handling these decisions, a very important consideration would be to consider the path that would be best for all parties involved. Even in a decision such as terminating a project, we should remember that there are still benefits to be gained.
Weigh options carefully, consider multiple voices.
Assess risks and benefits, think it through.
Communicate decisions clearly, transparency is key .
As a project manager, making difficult decisions is an inevitable part of every project. What truly matters is your ability to carry the team along, consistently remind them of the project’s overarching goals, communicate effectively, and create space for everyone’s opinions to be heard.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach, but when conflicts do arise, documenting them and the steps taken to resolve them provides valuable lessons. This practice not only helps manage similar conflicts more effectively in the future but also ensures outcomes that benefit the team, stakeholders, and the project as a whole.
Oro-Oghene Sarah Oyibode.
Team 8, cohort 27.
In every project, there are bound to be challenges or changes that will arise in the course of the project which will need the project manager to make some kind of difficult decisions. For the first speaker, in a situation like that, yes, it’s difficult to just end a project, but some things(like the risks involve, time frame, and the active involvement and interest of team members) have to be put into consideration and one has to be emotionally detached. Smae goes for the second speaker and for the third he has to make the decision of getting an interpreter (which could be an extra cost) to be able to achieve success. And yes I believe they will do differently in a different context because there is no one way to tackling challenges.
Thank you.
What stood out to me was the decision to terminate a project early. I imagine that must have been tough, because so much effort usually goes into getting a project off the ground. From their reflection, I think what was most important in taking that decision was having the courage to step back and admit when a project is no longer viable, rather than pushing ahead and wasting more resources. If it were a different project, I don’t think the action would necessarily change, but the context might. For example, if there was more room to adjust the scope or timeline, they might try that first. For me, the takeaway is that it’s not about giving up, it’s about making a responsible call when the bigger picture demands it.
In project management, a project’s priority can change due to shifts in company strategy. A new project might become more important if it aligns better with current business goals or offers a higher return on investment.
The decision to prioritize a new project is a strategic choice focused on maximizing business value. If the original project is still a critical part of the company’s overall strategy, it will likely not be deprioritized. Instead, the company might allocate more resources to ensure its success or find a way for both projects to continue.
As a project manager, making a difficult decision involves defining the problem clearly, gathering facts, considering alternatives, and weighing the risks and impacts of each option. It is important to consult stakeholders and the team for perspectives, then make a timely choice, communicate it clearly, and monitor the outcome. For example, if a project is behind schedule, the project manager may need to decide whether to reduce scope, extend the deadline, or add resources, choosing the option that best aligns with project goals and stakeholder priorities.
The 3 speakers spoke well and I really understood each of them. However, the lady spoke about having to remind the team about the project and its goal, this for me oo s very crucial because the tendency of getting carried away by the wave can take our minds off the goal and we loose focus. A reminder from time to time will help the whole team stay on track. There should be also a place for healthy compromise so that everyone can perform their task efficiently.
As a project manager, difficult decisions need to be made when taking on certain projects and this decisions are affected by the context surrounding the situation.
Yes, I believe these project manager experts would act differently in a different context. This is because there is no one-size fit all to address every challenges or problems that arise in a project. Different projects requires different approach to addressing whatever challenges arise. I believe if the same problem arise in a different context, decisions would be made together with relevant parties, they would consider options of continuing versus canceling the project, lessons learnt from previous projects that were terminated would also be considered, to know if terminating the project is the best solution or not.