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)
From the three difficult situations experienced by the project managers, I can say that what stood out was the ability to make decisions without sentiments and to take actions that were going to be beneficial to the entire company. Also, making inquiries and seeking more information and guidance on how to handle the situation will not be out of place.
Difficult decisions are sometimes inevitable and can really be frustrating; but dealing with difficult decisions with a clear and honest approach is vital for projects managers.
i have learnt that 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.
Before undertaking any project, A PM should employ ‘Risk-based thinking”. This means thoroughly researching all that the project requires, This includes identifying possible risks that may impede/halt the progress of the project if need be, identifying opportunities that can be leveraged, and of course, having in place contingency plans as a fallback for when things do not go as planned.
In the video, the managers were reactive and not proactive (having controls in place to forestall the already identified risk if risk risk-based approach was utilized).
If risk-based thinking had been deployed, the Language barrier would have been mitigated by ensuring a translator is on ground.
From the three difficult decisions above, the most important thing done in taking the decision was leaving sentiments aside and doing what was ethically best for the project. By this decision, the organizational standard was still preserved.
In a different context, putting first the organization’s goals, objectives and standards is very important. Therefore, since every project has its unique characteristics and requirements, what works for a particular project might not work for another.
Understanding the broader context of the project, including its goals, constraints, and stakeholders, is crucial for decision-making. This involves considering the project’s specific challenges, timeline, and resources available. In a different context, these experts might need to adapt their decision-making approach based on the unique characteristics and requirements of the new projects. What worked in one context may not necessarily apply in another.
Considering the interests and perspectives of various stakeholders is critical. Decision-making should align with project objectives and maintaining positive relationships with each key stakeholders to draw up possible solutions when challenges occurs is very key to the success of the project.
We cannot avoid sometimes difficult decisions but before we take such major decisions we have to sit down and discuss the issues either with the stakeholders or the team to have clear picture of how to resolve the issues. This step is very important because no member of the team will want a halt in the progress of the project thereby leading to time wasting and increase in cost.
Difficult decisions are sometimes inevitable and can really be frustrating; but dealing with difficult decisions with a clear and honest approach is vital for projects managers.
In the cases shown in this lesson, we can highlight that brainstorming with stakeholders before taking any difficult decision is paramount. Decisions taken to mitigate situations may sometimes halt or end a project and sometimes the outcome of a difficult decision may bring innovation to the project and even leave legacy to stakeholders.
Based on the difficult decisions highlighted by the experts, I think what I percieve to be the most important in making these decisions, was leaving setiments aside and doing what was ethically best for the project.
There isn’t enough resources to carry out the project? Well then it’s best to put the project on hold rather than squeezing things in that would most likely comprise the quality of the outcome.
Or, another alternative is to collaborate with other teams so that resources can be shared to get the desired outcome.
I genuinely do not think that they would act differently in a different context.
one of the most important thing to be done in a situation like this where language is barrier, is to get someone who can effectively enable you communicate to drive your points home knowing fully well that communication and above all, effective communication with a clear line of objective is key.
even if your decisions are adopted, or the decision of the management is adopted, . let it be known that you have clearly driven your points professionally