We've probably all seen a project that is beyond saving, or a project manager tearing their hair out over a crumbling project.
Scary times perhaps, stressful times certainly.
But how can we prevent this?
Before the horror show...
Before issues actually occur, we should recognise the chance of these things happening as risks.
Before we ever experience scenarios such as:
Materials not being delivered as planned
Legislation changing and causing rework
A quality check coming back as a fail
We want to recognise these things ahead of time.
See, an issue that has already happened requires repair, but a risk that is yet to happen gives you the opportunity for prevention.
Proactive prevention is what a mature, experienced project manager should be seeking at all times. Never letting the bad moments creep up on them or catch them completely by surprise.
Spot the danger before it becomes the horror show.
Don't ignore the creepy noises...
And on that note, a PM cannot do, see and control everything.
When people raise things with a PM, they need to actively listen.
A phrase I particularly like is:
"Are you actually listening, or just hearing the noise?"
That means you've understood the information or scenario in front of you, recorded it in the appropriate register or log, and are now actively monitoring it.
"Ignorance is bliss" is something I know many people may agree with, but in projects ignorance normally leads to shock with absolutely no preparation.
If somebody is telling you that something doesn't feel right, listen.
That creepy noise might be nothing...
But it might also be the warning you needed.
Safety in numbers...
This is where I feel most comfortable.
Knowing that when times get tough, I have built a team around me where different people bring different strengths.
I have the person who I know will immediately start analysing the situation.
I have the person who starts looking for the root cause.
I have the person who stays positive and motivating, giving us all the energy to pull together.
And I have the person who simply doesn't mind me having a moan about the situation.
Yes, we are all allowed a moan! Haha.
Knowing I have a fully functioning, harmonious team settles a lot of the scariest moments.
Because whatever is happening, we can and we will get through it.
Together.
Help from many places
Then, when I look up the hierarchy, I want my project board, programme manager, executive and other senior stakeholders to lend a hand and get stuck in when things go wrong.
Sometimes we need a little help down here at project level.
If you're reading this as somebody higher up in the organisation, please, roll up your sleeves and get involved.
Ask the PM:
"How can I help?"
I bet they will give you something to do.
Standing in the doorway watching the carnage unfold does absolutely nothing and normally just adds to the stress.
Trust me, I am talking from experience!!
Good leaders don't just watch the horror film.
Sometimes they need to jump into the scene.
Turn off the horror film
Sometimes, as a last resort, things really are beyond saving.
Sitting through the pain and struggle of trying to revive a wounded project may simply be worse than shutting it down, pulling the remaining investment, and putting those resources into something with a stronger chance of success.
Not every project has to reach its planned finish.
Sometimes the mature decision is admitting:
This isn't working.
Projects consume money, time, people and organisational attention. Continuing purely because money has already been spent is not always bravery or commitment.
Sometimes it is simply throwing good money after bad.
A good project manager should fight hard to protect their project.
But they should also recognise when the credits need to roll.
So, do things feel less scary now?
I sure do hope so.
Projects will always have scary moments. Risks will appear, issues will happen, plans will change and occasionally things will go completely off-script.
The objective isn't to create a project where nothing ever goes wrong.
It's to create one that can see trouble coming, listen to the warning signs, rely on the right people and respond properly when things do go wrong.
So keep the lights on.
Listen for the creepy noises.
Stay close to your team.
And whatever you do...
Don't let your project become the horror movie.
Happy Halloween Everyone!