Why Projects Fail [5 PROJECT FAILURE CAUSES]

Summary

In this video, Adriana Gerdler, a business productivity specialist, identifies five common reasons for project failure and offers strategies to avoid them. She emphasizes the importance of addressing conflict promptly, setting clear and realistic team expectations, maintaining open communication, ensuring project managers have the necessary skills, and managing risks effectively. Gerdler also provides additional resources for non-project managers and encourages viewers to subscribe for more tips on project management success.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Dodging conflict is a major reason projects fail; addressing issues promptly is crucial for project success.
• 📋 Clear and realistic team expectations from the outset are vital for effective project management.
• 🗣️ Over-communicating is key to ensuring all team members are aligned and informed about project goals and timelines.
• 👩‍💼 The lack of project management skills in non-project managers can lead to project failure; upskilling is essential.
• ⚠️ Poor or non-existent risk management can significantly impact a project's timeline and success.
• 👥 Team members being pulled into different tasks can pose a risk to project timelines; proactive mitigation strategies are necessary.
• 📈 Project managers must continuously reinforce messages and check in with the team to validate understanding and progress.
• 📝 Documenting and planning are essential skills for project managers to provide the necessary structure for a project.
• 🏆 Success in project management often requires additional training and resources, especially for those new to the role.
• 🔗 The speaker offers a download with more information and a course for non-project managers to enhance their project management skills.

Q & A

What are the five main reasons projects fail according to Adriana Gerdler?

Adriana Gerdler identifies five main reasons for project failure: dodging conflict, having vague or unrealistic team expectations, poor communication, non-project managers being in charge of projects, and poor or no risk management.

Why is addressing conflict important in project management?

Addressing conflict is crucial because unmanaged conflict can spiral out of control, impacting the project timeline, scope, and budget. It's the project manager's job to ensure that conflicts are addressed promptly to maintain productivity.

How can setting clear expectations for the team prevent project failure?

Setting clear expectations from the outset ensures that team members understand their roles and responsibilities. This clarity helps in executing tasks efficiently and meeting agreed-upon deadlines, which is vital for project success.

What is the significance of over-communicating in project management?

Over-communicating is significant because it helps to reinforce messages, reduce misunderstandings, and ensures that all team members are on the same page. It also allows for regular check-ins to validate understanding and progress.

Why might non-project managers struggle when leading a project?

Non-project managers might struggle because they lack the specific skillset required for project management. This can lead to difficulties in areas such as communication, conflict resolution, and planning, which are critical for a project's success.

How can poor risk management lead to project failure?

Poor risk management can lead to project failure because it overlooks potential issues that could impact the project. Without proper identification, mitigation, and contingency planning, these risks can escalate and negatively affect the project's timeline, budget, and overall success.

What advice does Adriana Gerdler give to non-project managers who are leading a project?

Adriana Gerdler suggests that non-project managers should equip themselves with the basics of project management. She also offers a course for non-project managers to help them succeed in leading projects.

What is the role of leadership in setting up non-project managers for success?

Leadership should recognize that project management requires a specific skillset and provide the necessary training or support to non-project managers who are leading projects. This helps to ensure that they have the tools to manage projects effectively.

Why is it important to involve sponsors and senior executives in risk management?

Involving sponsors and senior executives in risk management is important because it ensures that risks are identified and owned at a higher level within the organization. This involvement can lead to better support and resources for mitigating and managing those risks.

What additional resources does Adriana Gerdler offer to help project managers succeed?

Adriana Gerdler offers additional resources such as a downloadable guide with the top five reasons for project failure, as well as a course for non-project managers. She also encourages subscribing to her channel for more tips and insights on project management.

How can project managers ensure that their team members are not pulled into different tasks, affecting the project?

Project managers can ensure team focus by clearly communicating project priorities, setting realistic expectations, and working with team members and other stakeholders to manage workload and commitments effectively.