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)
As project managers, dealing with difficult decision in project management calls for a well-thought-out methodology. For the three Project managers ,each of them managed the difficulty in the best way they could. They openly analyzed the situation having gathered relevant data and information on the state of the project, engaged the stakeholders in the best way to get their views and concerns. They were ethical and followed due rules in their engagement. They were flexible in a few cases in getting the best of their teammates. They considered the pros and cons where necessary, in taken their choices. In each of their decisions, they had positive dispositions and impact despite the challenging situation and decision made. They ensured the stakeholders are clearly carried along having communicated the rationale behind the decision and got their feedback.
I believe they could have reacted differently in difference context, however whatever their reaction, I believe it will still be the best decision they can take in a challenging situation taking into consideration the stakeholders, holding forth the best values and ethics.
Familua Adeniyi
Cohort 15, Team 1
Navigating challenging decisions requires a methodical and organized approach that harmonizes ethical considerations, practical consequences, and stakeholder interests.
It is important to gather pertinent information and assess potential outcomes for each alternative. Delve into the ethical principles at play, such as integrity, equity, and regard for others’ rights.
Engage with stakeholders to grasp their viewpoints and apprehensions. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each option, factoring in both immediate and long-term repercussions.
Prioritize choices that resonate with fundamental values and ethical norms, while also evaluating feasibility and impact. Upon reaching a decision, it is important to communicate it clearly and transparently, explaining the reasoning to affected parties.
Then, monitor the decision’s outcomes and remain open to adjustments if circumstances warrant them.
From the discussions of the experts, I was able to see that challenges are normal for managers but it differs and how to handle them differs too.
Once a manager is faced with a challenge or challenges, the next thing is to find a solution. Solutions can actually come from having a round table discussion with the team just as the expert with the venue issue. He was able to proffer solution despite the fact that the client had to pay extra.
Another thing i learnt is seeing a challenge as an opportunity. This I got from the expert who had communication as a challenge due to language barrier but he saw it as a value.
Also, it might be a difficult thing to terminate a project early but if it’s affecting the priority, it might be permitted and always be positive about everything even when there is a termination of project. Be positive because there are lessons to be learnt.
Despite the strain they all went through in making those tough decisions, their unrelenting determination to follow their ethical values of delivering the best services for their clients kept them going and enabled them stick to the decisions. Acting differently in another context would have been a matter of how dire the situation is and the consequences if they were to overlook the ethics and compromise
Olufemi Olayanju Cohort 15, Team 8
Every project is unique hence project managers must be prepared for the unforeseen and the unexpected. Project managers are usually task and result driven but there are situations that sometimes challenges the skill set and competency of a project manager. When this occurs it requires a situation analysis vis-a-vis the goal of the project.
In one of the cases mentioned, there was a need for continued business justification. For reason of a change in priority, a project had to be terminated. In this particular case of project termination, the sponsors due to change in priority decided to divert resources elsewhere after the take off of the project despite time, effort and commitment invested. Project termination could also be for technical reasons affecting the feasibility of the project. The project manager in either situation could not have acted differently as he or she is called to implement a plan to create a viable product. If the sponsor is no longer interested in sponsoring the project or the project cannot deliver on a viable product, it has to wind up prematurely.
In the MTD water infrastructure case, it was clearly a case of clash of interests between two managers wanting to offer service and deliver result. The lesson in this case was the fact that when confronted with difficult decisions , all stakeholders must collaborate in seeking a way forward. There is need for engagement, communication and compromise to forge ahead.
In handling difficult decision, there is need for problem analysis, collaborate with stake holders on the way forward, negotiation, consider all options, decide collaboratively, capture lessons and outputs from the resolution.
On whether the project managers would act differently in another context, it depends on the peculiar circumstances of the different context. The words different context suggest a different set of circumstances. For sure the project managers have learnt lessons from this particular scenarios which they can take forward to other project settings. Project managers are constantly learning on the job and getting better as managers. Project dynamics differ from one project to another but new projects are always enriched by lessons learnt from previous projects.
Every project is unique hence project managers must be prepared for the unforeseen and the unexpected. Project managers are usually task and result driven but there are situations that sometimes challenges the skill set and competency of a project manager. When this occurs it requires a situation analysis vis-a-vis the goal of the project.
In one of the cases mentioned, there was a need for continued business justification. For reason of a change in priority, a project had to be terminated. In this particular case of project termination, the sponsors due to change in priority decided to divert resources elsewhere after the take off of the project despite time, effort and commitment invested. Project termination could also be for technical reasons affecting the feasibility of the project. The project manager in either situation could not have acted differently as he or she is called to implement a plan to create a viable product. If the sponsor is no longer interested in sponsoring the project or the project cannot deliver on a viable product, it has to wind up prematurely.
In the MTD water infrastructure case, it was clearly a case of clash of interests between two managers wanting to offer service and deliver result. The lesson in this case was the fact that when confronted with difficult decisions , all stakeholders must collaborate in seeking a way forward. There is need for engagement, communication and compromise to forge ahead.
In handling difficult decision, there is need for problem analysis, collaborate with stake holders on the way forward, negotiation, consider all options, decide collaboratively, capture lessons and outputs from the resolution.
On whether the project managers would act differently in another context, it depends on the peculiar circumstances of the different context. The words different context suggest a different set of circumstances. For sure the project managers have learnt lessons from this particular scenarios which they can take forward to other project settings. Project managers are constantly learning on the job and getting better as managers. Project dynamics differ from one project to another but new projects are always enriched by lessons learnt from previous projects.
We are faced with one challenge or the other as individuals and as an organisation. These challenges vary from one project to another, hence there are need to function differently in resolving them.
A manager could resolve his or her team challenge by constant communication while other comes through a written plan for deliberation, another maybe through criticism as the case may be. In dealing with difficult decisions as a project manager, positivity is highly required to be able to withstand dilemmas of handling technical issues and critical decisions. Seeking opinions from different parties especially when there is a language barrier between the manager and some team workers.
There’s a great need to act differently in handling difficult decisions because we operate with different people with different barrier in communication, innovative ideas,values etc.
DEALING WITH DIFFICULT DECISIONS
CHINONYE DANIEL-UKAEGBU
COHORT 15
TEAM 3
Onadeko Tofunmi Cohort 15 Team 8
Dealing with difficult decisions requires a thoughtful and structured approach that balances ethical considerations, practical implications, and the interests of stakeholders. First, gather all relevant information and analyze the potential outcomes of each option. Consider the ethical principles involved, such as honesty, fairness, and respect for others’ rights. Engage with stakeholders to understand their perspectives and concerns. Weigh the pros and cons of each choice, taking into account both short-term and long-term consequences. Prioritize options that align with core values and ethical standards, while also considering feasibility and impact. Once a decision is made, communicate it clearly and transparently, explaining the rationale to those affected. Monitor the results of the decision and be open to adjustments if necessary.
I think they will act differently in different context.
These three team members consistently demonstrated strong work ethics, a deep understanding of their environment and project, and a commitment to delivering results despite challenges. By fully embracing the core principles and values of their project and organization, they effectively navigated and resolved difficulties encountered along the way. Their integration of work ethics, comprehensive project understanding, and dedication to achieving results, even in the face of obstacles, enabled them to find optimal solutions within the framework of their project and organization.
These three experts expressed critical thinking before deciding and coming up with solutions to resolve the issues on the ground.