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)
At the long run they all wanted the success of the project and had to make certain decision for the benefit of all.
I believe that when it comes to decision making especially critical ones, emotions shouldn’t have a part to play but logical reasoning and ethics.
As PM, it is expedient to communicate with all stakeholders and come to position consensus as all hands must be on deck to achieve the project goal.
A project manager must be prepared at all times. He must be ready to deal with any situation that emerges and find a way of bringing it within his control. once he is unable to bring a particular situation under control, he automatically loses the support of the stakeholders. Succinctly put, a project manager must be skilled in crisis management because more often than not, crisis will always emegrge
In a project life cycle, there are times when PMs are faced with the task of dealing with difficult making. PM should always collaborate with all stakeholders and teams involved in that project to achieve a win-win solution for all parties involved, this can be made possible through effective and concise communication.
Project managers should at all times be ready for future contingencies. This will help in absorbing the shock and finding other ways to mitigate this difficult situation.
Having learned that communication is paramount, the project manager should be able to communicate to the team the situation in other to provide solutions as a team. Also, in every difficult situation, there are lessons, skills, and knowledge to be learned.
Managing difficult decisions as a project manager requires a balanced approach. Prioritize clear communication to ensure understanding among team members. Consider input from stakeholders and weigh the potential outcomes of each choice. Maintain flexibility, as projects may evolve, and adaptability is crucial. Learn from challenging decisions to refine your decision-making skills and enhance future project management strategies.
In the previous lessons, it was learnt that communication skills cannot be underestimated in project management. As a project manager, being able to communicate with your clients, stakeholders and team members is a step to having a good project. This will enable them to know how capable and transparent you are.
A project manager must be prepared for any challenge, or difficulty that may arise in the course of the project.
A project manager is meant to be open to a lot of possibilities, good listening skills and various forms along communication.
With data and analysis added with the above I believe tough situations can be managed. From previous lessons learnt, a project manager needs to prepare for difficult situations at all times.
Managing a tough decision relatively becomes easy if it has the backing of data and analysis of the same.
Important aspect is having regular reviews and structured methodological process to maintain data and linkages.
Fact based decisions are ease to digest, and you shall clearly have a plan- B in place as contingency.
Any decision which is likly to make an impact on outcome of project or project team to be mapped for worst, pessimistic and optimistic scenario