Topic Teasers Vol. 12: Killing the Project

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  Communications Management   Risk Management  

I have been fairly successful with past projects, but the one I’m leading now deserves to die. I don’t think it’s just that I’m discouraged with my team’s performance; it doesn’t seem to me like there is much to be gained by the work we are doing. What do I do now?

A. While you probably do not have the authority to decide whether or not the project continues, you have a responsibility to convey your thoughts to management.

B.  Keep cashing the checks. Although this may not be your most successful project, in this economy as long as you and your team are employed--just keep working away.

C. Since project managers can’t see the overall strategic plan for the organization, they are in a poor position to know whether or not this project has a place. It may have been constructed as a tax write-off and will save more money on taxes than a traditional project would earn.

D. Tell your manager that you and your team would like to be reassigned, that you have met, and all agree that there is no value to the organization in completing it.

Answer: A. While you probably do not have the authority to decide whether or not the project continues, you have a responsibility to convey your thoughts to management.

As project managers, we are trained and certified to think our sole goal is to complete the project! …

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