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)
To me, I picked one important point, which is communication. For every step they always make sure they communicate and they issues are kinds similar but resolution method differs.
When facing challenges or issues that might lead to conflict or project termination, its best to try and communicate, try easing the whole situation, identifying minor issues, listening to each members of the team to avoid partial judgments and also the project manager should show leadership qualities which would help put back everyone and the project back on track.
When facing conflict leading to potential project termination, the project manager should apply strong mediation and conflict resolution skills. This involves active listening, fostering open communication among team members, identifying underlying issues, negotiating compromises, and seeking win-win solutions. Additionally, the manager should demonstrate leadership, empathy, and adaptability to navigate through the conflict and steer the project back on track.
The three managers faced difficult decisions ranging from early termination of project, conflicting or opposition projects or organization, and language barrier.
I making decisions the three of them had to consider their projects, team and their sponsors hence, had to go back to negotiations table/ communication table to find a common ground they all found common grounds (compromise) while considering their projects goals which let to them living a remarkable impacts with amicable resolutions.
In order to successfully deliver a project, communication is necessary and what help the expert to deliver well is they communicate promptly, when you get stocked up in a project rather than terminating it, you have to diversify means of solving it, like the expect that brought water to the event center.
Communication is the key because without them concluding on a project to Carry out, it will be very difficult to finish.
Because it helps to have the total knowledge about the project and the kind of clients you are working with.
In my opinion the three project managers acted well in responses to their various difficulty experienced in various tasks.
1. The important consideration for Cathy Shaw was the viability of the project. When she encountered lack of trust in the team, she reminded them of why the project was important and they were able to proceed. She would have acted differently if the issues were technical in nature and the project would have become less viable in view of technological advancements. She would rather have terminated the project.
2. The important consideration to Emanuele Colomella was the fact that it was an international project involving stakeholders from different countries and his ability to consistently communicate with all of them was what made the project continue. He might have acted differently if there was no language barrier among the stakeholders.
3. The important consideration for Bill Wooten was the sporting event continuing as scheduled. He negotiated a mutually beneficial outcome and gave a concession in a contingency plan for the venue, although this caused the project to overshoot it’s budget. I do believe that if there were other cheaper options for getting water to the venue, he would have taken it, or if the water had been highlighted as a major consideration at the time of venue selection, another venue might have been chosen for the sporting event.
The 3 experts understood that what was more important was delivering the project in good condition and on time.
Also, they knew that there would be setbacks but one thing to have in mind is to remember the goals and for them to be transparent.
Communication is a major priority and for everyone to be on the same page it has to be properly communicated so that at the end of the day there is a mutual understanding.
Every project comes with its own challenges.
Communication is the key to solving all problems, communication plays an important role. When there’s an effective communication between project managers, stakeholder and every other person involve in the project, some problems get solved even before they arise because solution measures will be available.