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 three Project Managers really dealt wisely. As a Project manager, you have to prepare yourself for challenges ahead in case you encounter them. (That’s when risk taking comes in). Decision to terminate your project early comes in only when there are threats to the project though there are lessons to learn from the one that didn’t work out. As a PM we were told to be multilingual because communication is key to achieving goal.
As a project manager, making tough decisions is a must. whatever reason there may be. it is important to consider the impact of your decisions before making them. Flexibility honestly and willingness to compromise are crucial traits for a project manager, especially when dealing either stakeholders or project members.
As a Project manager, you have to prepare yourself for challenges ahead in case you encounter them. (That’s when risk taking comes in). Decision to terminate your project early comes in only when there are threats to the project though there are lessons to learn from the one that didn’t work out. As a PM we were told to be multilingual because communication is key to achieving goal.
For me, the project manager took the action to carry his team along by communicating the problem on ground with them, getting an alternative solution to the problem, deciding the wet forward, adapting it and deciding on it as a team.
The three project managers were able to effectively handle the difficulties encountered during their projects. In my opinion, delivering satisfactory results is crucial, especially if the client has had a poor experience with a different team in the past. Sometimes, going back to the drawing board is necessary, such as when a random situation arises like the issue with the venue. I particularly admired how the project manager who faced a language barrier was able to manage the project effectively. It is commendable for a project manager to remain open-minded and flexible to workable ideas from team members.
The three experts did a good thing by not given up to defeat despite their various challenges that arise in the project they deem it fit to quickly look for a solution. They have plans before the start of the project which is good but plan can change but with that they quickly contact on relevant party that will help in getting the work done as planned.
As project manager before embarking a project it is expedient to communicate with other projects members or stakeholders to come to a reasonable conclusion that will make the project achievable and attainable. Communication is key to every project
There are several difficult decisions Project Manager has to make such as frequent change request and terminating project due to not meeting up with timelines for deliverables.
The three people in this context had a clear and positive object of the project, but each delt with it in a different way, one, William is suppose to over see the project, which invariably places him in charge of the other two, but he still went ahead a made a decision without following due process and consulting his colleagues. John on the other hand is very ethical and wants things to be done in a proper manner, Karen had a clear insight of the entire process but was sceptical. In a nutshell, making decisions together as a team can go a long way to prevent future mishaps, when you bring a concern to your colleagues it helps you get a wider view of the issues. Another point is, it is always a right call to map out possible risk involved and the possible problems that might arise before taking action in any project, it helps put things in perspective and possible review, it is also worth mentioning to always get a second opinion before acting.
As project managers, the satisfaction of their clients were their top priorities and would have acted differently in a different context.
All the three project managers had all this in common:
– Dialogue with the stakeholders
– Comparison of the options on the table
– Collaboration
– Compromise
– Agreement
The 3 contexts were quite different but their responses were appropriate. Terminating a project is a difficult thing to do especially when a lot has been put to it. Communication is also very important in delivering projects. Where there’s a language barrier, it’s always difficult to get things done easily. Importantly the goal of a project manager is to get the project executed no matter the hurdles encountered.
The Project Manager had to take those decisions though they would not have wanted to if they have their way because of the power and influence of the stakeholders involved, they are the high-quality high stakeholders, they are the life and sponsors of the project and they must be satisfied, project management is about stakeholders satisfaction and engaging them to fulfill their expectations on the project. The project needed to be terminated because it’s no longer on their priority list due to changes in their contextual outside world and have shifted interest to higher priority project and they are sponsors/ funder of the project and projects can’t run on water. If it does the MTD manager did not even have enough.
In a bid to satisfy their clients, the MTD manager has to suggest contingency buffer.
The managers would have acted differently in a different context just has portrayed by the Lady manager in the latter part of the video. It was a kind of partnership project and she had to use her expertise I communication and conflict resolution to put the partners back on track and draw them to the things that brings them together, the project goals and objectives, the reasons why they have come together, assuming them of her willingness to work and collaborate, be flexible and compromise to have their needs met.