Projects can be more difficult to organise and complete successfully than you imagine when you start the planning process. But what are the main problems that can lead to failure? If you are aware of them you can look more closely at any project you might be asked to manage – and hopefully you can avoid the pitfalls.
So, let’s have a look at some of these potential problems:
- There’s a sudden change in an organisation’s priorities. Sometimes management seem really keen on a project to start with, but then something else comes up that they think is more important and they lose interest. Things are put on hold or funding ceases to be a priority. It’s not your fault but it can have a disastrous effect on the project!
- The next possible problem is firmly your responsibility and we make this clear in our Project Management Course. A project can go badly wrong if you don’t find out all the facts and know exactly what you are expected to achieve before you start the official planning process. So, make sure you ask all the right questions, from the right people and that you are clear about what they expect from you and the project.
- Poor communication is probably one of the biggest causes of failure. It’s essential that you listen to the people who are commissioning the project and ask questions if you are unclear about anything (see Point 2). Also, talk to them about any concerns and fears you have and explain what you need and how you intend to run the project. But equally important is being able to communicate with the people who you are working with or the contractors and staff that you employ. And communication isn’t just about talking – it’s also about listening and making sure that decisions are recorded for future reference.
- Difficulties can occur when the company/person/ organisation who has commissioned the project starts to change their mind about things or decide that it needs to meet new objectives. Obviously you are working for them and have to try and accommodate their requirements. But you also need to be able to explain clearly how this will impact on the project. Will it take longer? Will it cost more? It comes back to Point 3 – good communication skills.
- Finally, poor estimating skills can really cause problems once a project gets going. If you’ve not worked out properly what it will cost, how long it will take and the resources you will need (men, machinery and materials) then you’re storing up problems for yourself. Again, it comes back to Point 2 – always find out all the facts before you start planning.
So, next time you’re planning a project – big or small – take all these things into account and you’ll have a much better chance of finishing it successfully, on time and within budget.
Author: Diana Nadin
