The Survey Says....We All Experience Project Challenges!

 A huge thanks goes out to everyone who completed my survey on project challenges. As expected, I learned a lot about what my colleagues are experiencing with their project, project teams, stakeholders and sponsors. Read on for additional survey insights and some suggestions on how to address those challenges.

Survey Results:

Some background: Survey respondents were able to select multiple topics and provide additional input therefore the response will not add up to 100%. Based on a review of the data, here are the top three issues identified:

·      41% of survey respondents indicated that undefined or unrealistic expectations from clients and project sponsors was one of their greatest project challenges.

·      35% of the survey respondents also noted that they experience challenges with the project team not understanding their roles and responsibilities. This can include sponsors, stakeholders, the leadership team and vendors as well as the team members. Underlying issues such as lack of accountability, commitment, and dedication to the overall project are usually symptoms. Here is an article that takes a deeper dive into some possible sources of an accountability issue. Harvard Business Review, Does Your Team Have an Accountability Problem (2020).

·      18% of the survey respondents indicated that finding, and keeping, skilled resources for the project can be incredibly challenging. This is when a decision needs to be made to train existing team members, outsource to a consulting firm or look for other internal candidates that have the skills required.

 Actionable Solutions:

·      Setting expectations – Most Project Managers have their own process to ensure that accurate expectations are set. I have found that a direct approach can be the best way to determine if expectations are in line with what the project will deliver. Simply ask the sponsors, leaders, and stakeholders the question “What are you expecting from this project?” The answers will provide the information needed to either realign the expectations or re-examine the Project Charter to determine if some element of the project has been mistakenly overlooked.

·      Review of roles and responsibilities – My observation has been that many organizations do not have roles and responsibilities documented for their project teams. Reviewing the roles and responsibilities with the project team will provide an opportunity to ask questions, discuss skills needed as well as any scheduling conflicts that could occur based on those required skill sets. This review should take place at the Project Kick-Off meeting so that everyone understands what is expected of them and how they will be contributing to the overall project.

 The bottom line is that we all experience challenges with our projects and many of us are juggling the same types of challenges. However, these challenges are also the opportunities we need to grow in our project management roles and learn more about our responsibilities as leaders. Documenting your, personal, lessons learned, as a Project Leader, can help you address these challenges, should they occur again.  

I know you can do this!