Get Risks Identified…Even When It's Tough

Joe Wynne is a versatile Project Manager experienced in delivering medium-scope projects in large organizations that improve workforce performance and business processes. He has a proven track record of delivering effective, technology-savvy solutions in a variety of industries and a unique combination of strengths in both process management and workforce management.

  Communications Management   Risk Management  

It's time for you to run the routine of identifying project risks. Unfortunately, it's not so routine this time. Key players have not accepted invitations to the session, and those that are attending do not seem to be focusing well. It's obvious that some risks will be missed based on these two problems. You’ll have to report that the planning phase is delayed or the end date will be missed.

This looks bad for you. What could you have done to avoid it? How you handle this situation (and handle it you must!) depends on the tactics of how you manage the meeting invitees—and later how you manage the minds of the participants.

Participation: Ensuring Key Participants Are There
Resource constraints and conflicting priorities can keep stakeholders from attending your risk meeting.

Be aggressive in getting them there:

• First, create a list of stakeholders that are required, and another list for those who are recommended (nice to have).
• Schedule the initial risk analysis meeting with an eye toward availability of the required group. Find a clear time for all and lock that day and time down. Try to get as much time as you need at the first session.
• Remind the entire invited group during the intervening period to remember the importance of the meeting. If you have a problem later, you want to be…

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