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 my observation they all had to seat with all the stakeholders to resolve the issues. The resulting dialog resulted in solutions. In another context they would still have had to dialog to result issues and make the tough decisions.
Considering what was said by the managers, what I observed was the word communication. Sometimes, there may be a need to compromise but as a Project manager, the cost must be counted in other to ensure that it is a win win for both parties and the project itself it full achieved.
The decisions made by the three project managers depend on the goals of the project.
According to the first project manager, the early termination of a project is the most difficult decision to make. This is because team members and stakeholders have invested significant effort in the project. The decision to terminate may be made if the project is significantly over budget or if the costs outweigh the potential benefits. Stakeholder expectations and project feasibility are also factors that may lead to early termination.
In a different context, PMs may act differently based on the specific project, organizational priorities, and external factors.
While the second project manager employed more team members to accelerate project progress when he was faced with resource constraints.
In a different context, PMs may consider other alternative solutions, such as optimizing existing resources or adjusting project timelines, depending on the situation.
The last project manager mentioned that the most difficult decision he ever took was due to language barriers, which can impact project progress.
In a different context, PMs may prioritize language proficiency or explore technology-based communication tools.
Ultimately, the decisions made by the project managers were dependent on the specific context, project goals, and available information. It is important to consider all relevant factors and adapt decision-making strategies accordingly.
No doubt, every Project Manager will face one or two challenges in project and PMs must be ready to use diverse means in sorting them out. What was very important to the three experts that made them took the decision they took was the success of a project. Being successful in project plans and meeting the goal is the joy of every Project Manager. However, if there situations arises, PMs must count the cost, make concrete analysis to see if the project should continue or be cancelled. If a PM succeeded in counting the cost and continue the project, he has succeeded to add another badge to his feather and impact people with the project. If a PM succeeded in counting the cost and he realizes the project is not anywhere going to yield results and cancel the project early, he has also succeeded in diverting and avoiding the negativity the project can have on his organizations or beneficiary at large. Either ways, it’s a win win for a project manager
No one would want to start a project and not complete it, and the beauty of being a PM is when you are able to deliver that which is committed into your hands. You will continue to be relevant as PM to degree which you provide solutions to complex problems. Their intention to deliver as PM propelled them to take the decision.
And to answer if they would act differently in a different context, I will say yes! because they will have another set of stakeholder, client and possibly project team to deal with.. One of the PM explained how they had issue with with water and how it is being resolved. Two important steps he took is to gather people together for brainstorming and after which he was able to get contingency for the venue…. The case might not be the same in a different context.
Before terminating a project as a PM you must weigh both the cost of continuing and canceling the project
The experts wouldn’t have acted differently in another circumstance.
Because individuals have different ways of thinking about how an issue should be solved, one can only agree with the views of other stakeholders, by comparing everyone’s opinions, and then go with the ones that best solve the issue.
The organization also have their regulations on how things should go.
So, just like one of the experts said, they had to collaborate.
Collaborating with the organization and customers to resolve any issue that comes up is one of the keys to keeping the relationship between an organization and its customers.
For the three managers, these things stand even as they encounter challenges as Managers
Creating a balance by weighing the cost of continuation or termination of a project.
Overcoming language barriers for effective communication and impartation.
Sustaining members’ interest, as this could be hard to reclaim when lost. Creating engaging communication strategies that allow members to rethink their commitments and deepen their connection to the quality of service delivery.
Considering the rights’ of team members and engaging them on their perspectives to get well-rounded and effective delivery.
Being open to adjustments will allow team members to fully commit to the core values and overall service delivery of their projects.
All of the managers encountered challenges, but their major propeller is the the success of the project which was their target. Individual approach to each challenges encountered is keen.
According to the 3 experts that shared their difficulties, to me it’s the best thing they did to find a wayout…
1. Before termination of project, one must weigh both the cost of continuing and canceling the project
2. A way must be created to overcome the language barrier even if it requires to hire a translator.
3. When the necessity is not available, the available becomes the necessity which have mostly help out in project management and completion.
4. It’s not easy to bring back the interest of members who have lost interest in an ongoing project but it’s very important to find a way to make them have a rethink towards the completion of the project.
In general, to complete a project many sacrifices are done as a project manager.