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The reality is, sometimes projects fail. We have probably all experienced at least one failure; and can agree we hate when it happens. More importantly? We all want to avoid future failures. The good news is, as project managers, we have the power to help projects succeed. It is on us to know the main project pitfalls, so we can strategically plan to avoid them. How? That is where we come in! Read below to learn 3 of the main project pitfalls, and how to avoid them and project failure:
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Changing Priorities
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Look, people are busy. We all understand it. The problem on projects though? If project team members priorities change too much, the project is doomed for failure. As Clinton Padgett points out “…when team members are pulled in so many directions, and everything is considered “top priority”, nothing ends up getting prioritized – or done.” As the project manager, it is your job to be the calm, guiding force that makes sure your project is still prioritized. Be strict, hold people accountable, but also be understanding. Build in buffers to your timeline, create risk mitigation strategies, and escalate issues if people continue to not complete their tasks. Being proactive helps; it reminds people why the project matters and why their role in it matters.
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Lack of Buy-In
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Lack of buy-in on a project is a sure ticket to failure. Especially if there is a lack of buy-in from executives. We cover why buy-in is important in previous blogs, and project managers (i.e., you) are the best way to make sure it happens. You need to show all stakeholders the bigger picture and emphasize why the project is important. You must make sure people feel heard throughout the project and kickoff. Feeling valued helps stakeholders/team members buy-in on the project. Most importantly of all though, you need to make sure this project is the right one. Ask the hard questions like, “is this solving the real business problem?” If a project is not answering a real problem, it is also doomed to fail.
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Communication
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Communication really is king when it comes to project success or failure. If a project/project team has bad communication, you can kiss success goodbye. This is particularly true of large, complex projects that have a TON of team members/stakeholders involved. Why? Because without communication, no one understands what the other people are doing. The good news? There is a simple, proactive step you, as the project manager, can take to ensure good communication on all your projects. Create a communication plan and share it during kickoff. The plan should outline protocols, why communication is important, and set expectations for the duration of the project. Leave no grey area. Make it clear to everyone what is expected, and why it is important to communicate.
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While projects sometimes just fail, as project managers we can all take proactive steps to avoid this happening on our own projects. First, acknowledge the main reasons why projects might fail. Then create plans to overcome those barriers. The more planning and risk management you do upfront, the more reward you’ll get down the line. And your clients, stakeholders, and project team will thank you.
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Interested in learning more about how to avoid project failure? Contact our team at Kim@QuantumMark.com today!
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