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)
The Project Managers in the video made communication to be a priority for them in taking their various decisions. That is they had to ensure that the various stakeholders in the respective projects understood the reason why certain steps had to or not be taken.
Again, they had to put into consideration the success of the project at hand in their decision making.
Though every project is peculiar and the decision taken in one project must not fit perfectly into the other, the issue of communication cannot be overlooked no matter the peculiarity in a project. Everyone needs to be carried along and that is where communication comes to play.
I understood from the video that each of the project manager placed a high value on ensuring their projects are carried. They took difficult decisions because they were willing and ready to achieve their goals. As in the case of the sporting event in Glasgow, the PM said the event has to go on. Despite the huddle they met with, quitting was definitely not an option at that crucial time so they had to go back to the stakeholders involve and communicate the problem and come out with a possible solution within the time frame that they had.
Of course they would have acted differently in a different context. Every project is unique, and lessons learned from previous ones are helpful to a certain limit. Why? This is because certain factors does not stay constant even if you do the same project over and over again.
Example:
Finance- The budget you used to execute the same project previously will certainly change.
In addition to the solutions provided, every project is aim is always tending towards a win-win situation which will bring a positive image to the organization.
So i will add that from the onset of the project as discussions, communications, ideas, ethical values, will be taking place among stakeholders/investors, the fore-sight(picture) of the project should always be the driving force.
Solutions to every project lies within the project but can only be harnessed through an adequate understanding of the modalities of the project.
Now reflect on what was important for them in making the decision. Would they act differently in a different context? Why?
They were majorly concerned about maintaining the relationship with their stakeholders more than they showed attachment to the projects that were being pulled down.
I don’t think they would act differently in a different context. my reason is that they have improved and worked on the ethics and qualities required for successful PMs; one of which is the goal of winning forward; making sure there is more of a win-win situation and also objectively reasoning out the WHY behind the difficult decisions.
For these experts, the critical elements in their decision-making likely included the assessment of risks and benefits, ethical considerations, stakeholder interests, and the potential long-term impact of their choices. The context significantly influences how they might act; different circumstances can shift priorities and available options, leading to different decisions. For instance, in scenarios with less pressure or different stakeholder priorities, these experts might opt for choices less about immediate problem-solving and more about long-term strategy and innovation.
I think the most relevant tool used by the project managers in the video is communication. They all communicated to the stakeholders involved in their respective project in a calm manner.
The video showcased three project managers who all utilized communication as a crucial tool when confronted with challenging decisions in their respective projects. In one instance, a project manager grappled with the tough decision of terminating a project. She effectively communicated with all stakeholders, outlining the available options for either continuing or cancelling the project, while also reinforcing the project’s core values. Another project manager faced a decision regarding a water shortage problem on their project. In response, this manager convened a meeting with key stakeholders to collaboratively determine the optimal solution.
I believe that their approach would remain consistent in various contexts. The reasoning behind this is that effective communication with key stakeholders, seeking their perspectives on the issue, is a valuable strategy for navigating difficult decisions.
For me I think communication is key and a good manner of approach no matter the challenge it is important to remain calm, think straight and always remind yourself what the main goal and target is no matter pressure also be open to suggestions no one is a monopoly of knowledge.
From the video I watched I realized that they took the following into consideration while taking decisions
1. Considered their team
2.considered a means to communicate effectively
3. The equipment and facility to be used
4. Funding
5. One had to collaborate with other companies to meet their goal
One of the most important things you can do is listen to the opinions of others who have a stake in the decision and know something about the options involved. Even if the final decision is yours, listening to diverse perspectives on the topic helps clarify your own thinking.
Critical situations require critical decisions. Most project managers are faced with taking
tough decisions.
Facing difficult situations and making difficult decisions are what make as a project manager effecient. The P.M foremost task is managing and that managing come with baggages. The 3P.M manage the their different situations very well individually because they are the people working directly with their teams, they know who they how and how possible best to communicate with them. One of the lessons I picked from all 3 P.M is always know your team, their weaknesses and strengths, and make a positive communication with them
The three project managers were able to deal with the issues that arise in the project which did not align with the initial plans of the project. They recognised the importance of reconciling trade-offs between the elements of cost, time and quality and maintaned a balanced outlook, engaged project team and control communication to find viable solutions before the end of the project.
The 3 project managers scenarios underscores the point that project manager thrive in problems and difficult situations.Their abilities to effectively manage these difficult situations were born out of excellent communication skills, stakeholder collaboration and timely decisions.