Project Management
 
So let's recap, we have looked at 3 big reasons why projects fail  ...  then we looked at how the Project Sponsor might contribute to that. So now, let's look at the role of the Project Manager  ...

So let's look at what the evidence says on Project Managers  ... typical causes of failure are:
1. Requirements are not sufficiently well 
  • Understood
  • recorded
  • analysed  ...  from the outset 
We, this was also laid at the door of the Project Sponsor; that was correct, but the Project Manager also needs to ensure that he has clear direction and ensure that a "Proof of Concept" or feasibility is done on the requirements - this is a key role of the Project Manager and failure to do so early in the project, is an act of sowing the seeds of future failure.

2. Basic lack of project management skills and no plan to address this deficiency
Yep  ...  there are lots of project manager who are not best suited to the role they find themselves in. Acknowledging this and putting a plan in place to remedy it, is essential. Failure to do so is once again sowing the seeds of later failure. There should be lots of resource within you reach which can help you.

3. Poor communications
Shockingly, while it would seem that we all talk too much, we don't communicate enough. In the context of a project, it is the Project Managers role to foster appropriate collaboration amongst everyone whose has a contribution to make and ensure that it happens at the right time.
Take the example of software projects, where "trashing" is a valid exercise (google it if you are not familiar with it) - however, trashing at the wrong time is sabotage - in essence, it should be done at as early a stage as possible; the project manager should know this and encourage it early on the protect the project from late stage trashing.

4. Failure to resolve issues - there can be no hiding
Risks and issues arise all the time on projects and an absence of them might well be an indicator that we are on the wrong course. Any good project manager is aware of this and knows that she/he must take the role of Risk and Issue management seriously - now is the perfect time to address any items. 
Failure in this are lies squarely at the Project Mangers door.

5. Team allowed to stray off course
Do I really need to go into detail here - the project manager is the leader of the team delivering the project and like any leader, needs to take his team on the journey to the chosen destination.

6. Project fails to secure and retain resources
As with the above point, projects are run like businesses and the project manager is the business owner - he/she need to do whatever needs to be done to deliver; including getting and retain the right team.

So, that's the opinion of the Project Coach  ...  what's your opinion? 



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