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)
The project managers would have handled the issues differently depending on the context. No two projects will encounter same issues but lessons learnt from the experts are that they communicated with stakeholders involved before taking final decisions. The goals of the project and the reality on ground and the factors affecting the implementation of the projects were x-rayed before decisions were made.
Problems differs depending on the scope, and dealing with difficult situations requires that it should be within the context of the project.
I believe the experts will act differently depending on the context, there are different ways of dealing with different situations but whenever a difficult decision is needed to be made, a project manager should take into consideration the scope of the work and goals of the team so that the decision will not change the teams goal.
A project manager needs to consider the feasibility and viability of a project when making a decision, also the option for continuing versus cancellation of the project needs to be clearly defined and discussed with the team members.
Lawrence C Johnson
Cohort 17 Team 6
Listening to these three Project Managers, I have been able to understand that in handling a project, decision making can be very challenging especially when it has to do with a difficult decision.
But one thing I discovered about the there project managers was that in all of these challenges or difficulties in decision making, achieving the goal of the project was the main aim.
As a prospective Project Manager, I should expect challenges and as well be ready not to give up along the line, I should as well work with a positive mindset and persevere amidst every challenge.
Genevieve Osondu
Cohort 17 Team 5
Listening to these managers have been able to understand one important aspect of PM which is in respective of the difficult situation encountered during a project ,which can not be overemphasis because as said from the initial aspect of this lesson that there is no perfect project and that PM thrives on chaos . It is expedient to note that when on a project one may encounter unforeseen issues either from internal or external adversities but in whichever angle its emerges from one important thing to have in mind as a PM and as said by the managers is the project goals which you must not deviates from in the face of hurdles.
So, sometimes a project manager have to use his critical thinking that is outside the written rules and regulations or scopes to resolved issues.
have learnt in the cause of this lesson that as a project manager always be ready and to expect the unplanned for which would or may calls for some tough decision making .
Encountering difficult situation during project is an expectation that can not be ruled out. As the case of the managers in the video who gave their experience, they all had one thing in common; keep the company’s goal above any other factor influencing decision making. As long as ethical standards are not compromised, integrity and trust built with good communication and understanding, its a win for everyone.
A professional manager despite situation being confronted, will push forward organizational goals above internal or external driven adversities.
one thing I learned, is that in all of their challenges, they persevered to protect the value of their organization. Some problems can be unforeseen, perhaps why we call it a problem, and that brings out the critical thinking in you as a project manager to proffer a solution, just like that of the language barrier. Most times too, as a project manager, compromise that aligns with your values can be tolerated.
Giving the fact that one of the instructor’s had earlier mentioned that project managers thrive on chaos, having watched this reviews from these project managers it resonates with me,
I have also come to understand with the learning so far,that regardless of how smooth the project journey seems,you as a project manager will need to give room for unforseen circumstances where you might need to take some tough decisions as they arise.
Listening to the Project Managers speak about the tough decisions they had to make handling a project, i discovered that amidst the difficulty, they tend to move towards the goal of the project still even when the parties involved were in serious conflict. They reminded the parties about the very goal of the project and kept the bond that existed between the parties. You know, i remember what the project manager in the earlier lessons mention about “project managers thriving in chaos” and it dawns on me more deeper that as a Project Manager, I have to know how to handle conflicts that arises on the spur of the moment because chaos will come in unannounced
For one, he said that language was a barrier for him at some point.
Language can always be a barrier, but there are always ways to maneuver it. Either having a translator or using translator apps.
In a different context, they might have executed their project in another way as there is no defined way of going a problem. Sometimes, the problems we face help us get more insights on how to go about solving them.
From the 3 experiences shared, it was obvious that achieving the aim was the goal so with consistency, diligence and ruggedity
They were able to work around the problems and come up with a way out
As an aspiring project manager, I should expect challenges and be ready to sort them out in a composed manner and be ready to let go of my ego when situation demands and do the needful