A portfolio of projects are the critical vessels that deliver the vision of an organization strategy. Project intricate endeavors involving individuals, components, and processes. Bringing them to fruition requires meticulous planning and expertise. Considering the significant investment of time and resources, effective project management should be a strategic priority for mid to large-sized companies. However, this is often not the case. Leaders who recognize their influence over project outcomes can change this norm.
Assessing the unsuccessful projects within organizations reveals common themes:
- Expanding Scope: Did your new application (or product) launch extend beyond the original scope?
- Miscommunication and Transparency Issues: Did miscommunication mar your new service line creation?
- Lack of Detailed Planning: Were some projects approached with insufficient critical components of a complete plan?
Regardless of their specific causes, these project failures can be traced back to leadership shortcomings. Leadership’s role in project management cannot be underestimated. Amidst the complexity and fluidity of projects, leaders must provide stability and support to project management teams.
The Consequences of Poor Leadership in Project Management
In project management, challenges are inevitable, and failures often fall on the shoulders of project managers. Their task includes aligning the plan with reality and sometimes delivering unfavorable news to stakeholders. When leaders consistently resist acknowledging such challenges, projects tend to falter.
Executive leadership must empower project managers to navigate these challenges effectively. Project managers must often chart unique paths and make difficult trade-offs, necessitating strong negotiation skills. An incorrect choice can lead to various woes, including:
- Unintended Results: Prioritizing schedule compliance at the expense of product effectiveness wastes time and money
- Future Project Resistance: Failure can cast a shadow on similar projects, causing missed opportunities
- Competitive Disadvantage: Failed projects can lead to significant financial losses and put organizations behind competitors
- Organizational Consequences: Significant failures can result in job losses, affecting individuals from the COO and CIO to project managers
The repercussions of inadequate leadership in project management extend throughout the organization and can raise doubts about its sustainability. Ensuring that competent decision-makers lead projects effectively is more critical than ever.
Real-World Examples of Effective Project Management
Project management may seem theoretical, especially considering the high failure rate of projects (approximately 70%). However, real-world examples illustrate that success is achievable:
A Case Study in Teamwork
During the COVID-19 pandemic, a global education and training company faced a digital transformation project. Initially, under IT’s purview, the project quickly became a companywide endeavor, creating conflicts. Effective leadership involves establishing clear project objectives, fostering unity, and delivering a successful digital product.
A Case Study in Control
IBM’s “The Bridge Project” faced overwhelming challenges due to vague specifications. Regaining control involved regular meetings, clear documentation of responsibilities, and holding stakeholders accountable. The project got back on track by setting clear expectations and avoiding finger-pointing.
A Case Study in Leadership Vacuums
Leadership is not solely about hands-on contributions but also about taking control when necessary. Leaders empower project managers to succeed by providing support and direction.
Selecting the Right Leaders for Project Success
Finding capable project managers involves evaluating their leadership skills, which can be challenging. Consider these strategies:
- Skills-Versus-Results Matrix: Create a matrix that objectively compares candidates based on necessary skills, leadership abilities, culture fit, and disposition
- Results-Oriented Interviews: Assess candidates’ ability to deliver required results and how their experiences align with the role
- Scenario-Based Questions: Ask candidates about their experiences in resolving challenging situations, providing insight into their problem-solving and leadership skills
Empower Your Project Managers for Success
After selecting the right project managers, it’s crucial to support them effectively:
- Institute a Project Charter Process: Develop a formal process for creating project charters to ensure all critical questions are addressed
- Build the Proper Project Team: Assign roles and responsibilities carefully within the project team, as each plays a vital part in success
- Invest in Project Management Tools: Provide the necessary technology and resources for effective project management
Authentic leadership in project management involves aligning the right people, processes, and technology for success. With these elements in place, project leaders have the tools to steer any project to a successful conclusion.
For more information on how effective project leadership can drive successful project results, please contact the consulting team at WiserWulff.
