Have you ever worked on a project that you have really enjoyed? If the answer is yes, excellent. What was it about the project that you enjoyed, was it the team, scope, support?

Some people enjoy working on projects that resonate with them, aligns with their values. These are the best projects as you are working to deliver something that’s has meaning for you and therefore you are more likely to go the extra mile to get the project delivered and be able to articulate what is required and by when. You will also talk more knowledgably and passionately about the project thus engaging key players and getting support, buy-in, when necessary.

On the flip side, if the answer is “No” you have never worked on a project you have enjoyed, this is difficult. The days can seem long, the battles endless, and a feeling of dread, lack of confidence can creep in. Unfortunately, more and more people seem to be having difficult projects to deliver.

The reasons often seem outside of their control. For e.g.:

• The budget is reduced
• The customer changes the scope
• Resources are under performing
• You can’t get the necessary resources
• Issues cannot be resolved
• Risks turn into issues
• The project board do not agree the way forward.

It is so important to have an up-to-date project plan that can demonstrate the impact of a scope change, resource issue, reduction in budget.

Make sure you have a project sponsor that supports you and your team.

Keep communicating:

• Keep talking to key players
• Keep the team up-to-date on what is happening.
• Make sure you are listening to the team as to what is really going on
• Update the customer.

It is important you look after yourself:

• Find a buddy who can help you through the challenges
• Talk to your peers who may have experienced the difficulties themselves and can provide guidance and support
• Have a coach who you can talk to in confidence about what is going on and bounce ideas off without being judged.

Ask yourself

• How happy are you to be a Project Manager?
• What can you learn from the parts of the role you are enjoying?
• How will you use these learnings to other parts of the role?
• Who can you buddy up with to help you through the parts you are not enjoying?

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Thank you for reading this blog – Project Delivery can be fun. If you would like more information or to get in touch, please fill in the contact form.