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?
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Well, while it is true that a PM should be robed in empathy, I believe it is important to possess enough guts to be able to take tough decisions, particularly if the decisions have been properly evaluated and if they’re in line with the organizational values or cultures.
The three PM experts shared some tough decisions that were taken, how difficult those decisions are on the project.
The first PM explained the tough decision to terminate project early, the organization having higher priority project over the former project. Moreover taking the team back to the goals, strengthening the relationship with the clients and stakeholders is key. The second PM synergizes with supplier to ensure the availability of resources for the project. This shows that communication skills and team play is crucial. Language barrier is another difficult situation as the third PM shared, bringing people together from different languages, introduction of language translators can help solve the problem of language barriers.
The crux of these decisions is that Project Manager must be able to use communication skills to tackle and manage difficult situations and be confident to take some tough decisions to sustain the organization
Skills acquisition and development couple with ideal/efficient communication could aid in taking a tough decision as seen displayed by the -PM’s in the video.
A PM should be able to develop skills that could help him make very tough decisions, especially when it has to do with ending a project that has been well invested in abruptly which taking into consideration the organisational values. Also her/she should be able to navigate around unforeseen issues in the project and be ready to provide solution at any instance.
A PM should be ready to take a very hard decision during a project especially when it has to do with ending a project that has been well invested in abruptly, while taking into cognizance the core values of the organisation. A PM should be able to work around unforeseen challenges and also creatively provide solutions.
From the conversations with the 3 PMs, making the difficult decision must be seen in the context of how beneficial if the cancellation is done. Also, a great lesson here is finding resolution paths by brining everyone to the table and allowing all to understand the end game. I don’t think they would have done differently as the role required, finding a path way to every project’s success.
All the project manager did well there will be a point where difficult decision as to be taken and they all communicated which is the vital roll in a project and for the third pm with the language barrier I think he should have used a language translator instead
All 3 of them encountered a difficult situation and I thing I learnt is they communicated, the first person spoke out about ending the project i believe to all stack holders while the third had a language barrier which he new communication is about 80% of PM. Indeed speaking g out or let’s say communication is a bed rock of project management
The three Project Managers did the same thing by resorting to meeting to know the possible way to resolve the issues they had.
In this world of technology, I believe the PM who has language barrier should have used language translation app to sort himself out.
All the three pm has done well , As a pm we should be able to forsee the some circumstances and we should be able to put a end to a project that can be stuck at some point
The second pm was about resources and getting the interest and making sure the sure the project is well done
The third pm with a language barrier could have find a more suitable way
There is no problem without a corresponding solution, and if it was another project maybe and maybe not it might not turn out this way
But in every project a pm just always and be ready to take difficult decision
Know your scope creep !
As a PM there will always be moments of making difficult decisions as shared by The three PMs in the video.
However, I think they would have made different choices if the circumstances and opportunities that are available are different.
For example the first PM wouldn’t have chosen to terminate the Project if he sees a possibility of success in the project.
And to the second PM, would have done differently solely based on available resources and the interest of the project which is paramount.
The Third PM who faced the problem of Language will be able to solve this language barrier with the help language translators and technologies knowing fully well that Language is the key determinant of communication, and without communication, there can’t be a truce on any Project.
Hence, he would have as well done differently.