For all project manager it is a household name, what it requires to manage a project successful. Project assignment, project structure plan, project handbook, schedule, risk management plan etc., everything clearly defined and written down. But what to do when a project is stuck in a crises?
Quelle: 123rf.com
This button you may wish assumedly!? This one does not exist, but there are five “simple” principles, that should be your only focus, after you have recognized that your project is a single disaster and rescission no option:
Project scope (content and financial)
Project scope is one of the most frequent causes why projects slide into a crisis. It quickly has to be defined what the minimum is that has do be done content wise. Also the financial limit is an important theme. Calculate a realistic minimum budget and take yourself a little reserve despite the tight situation.
Schedule
Develop a schedule which is realistic and that you can follow-up. Means the plan needs to be in that detail level that you can determine the progress at least at a weekly basis. In case there is a fixed project end date and the schedule is to tight, then the scope needs to be adapted or the project end date has to be moved. These are the only alternatives.
Risks
Of course a risk register would be ideal, nevertheless this does not exist in more or less no project this is stuck in a crisis. Find out, as quick as possible, with which risks you are faced and mitigate them as best as possible. Be aware which risks are changing, shift or new ones turn up.
Team
In this time take more care about your team than usual. Your success depends on how good you come off in it that your team is making this time together with you and believes in the success. A simple wonder tool besides the careful association with every single one can be sweets. Buy what your team likes to graze.
Stakeholder
Who are the most important persons that need to know about the status? Inform those persons actively, even if the messages are not positive. Because you inform without order you grow trust which you need in this phase notably.
In the end I want to give you a hint which applies for all awkward tasks and phases. Stay cheerful and laugh as often as possible. You feel better, it raises the mood of your surrounding and anything is getting easier!