What do you do when you need a SME resource on your project but the team does not have the bandwidth (so they say) and they are not being nice about it? I've tried to influence, encourage, ask nicely, etc. but they are not budging. Any wisdom would be wonderful. Thanks as always.
What does not having bandwidth mean? They are busy working on something else and don't have time to work on your project? If so then it is nothing you can do about it internally. You should look for a contractor or consultant outside the organization. Saving Changes...
George FreemanThought Leader | Author | Architect| Florida, United States
Hi Erikka,
If the objectives of your project are not strategically aligned and you work in a disparate enterprise, then these types of behaviors (aggressive or passive-aggressive) are not that unusual. This is where your project sponsor(s) have a role, they should be the ones working behind the scenes and negotiating the alignment in the executive corridors.
It sounds like you have done reasonable due-diligence as the project manager, and if you lack “political clout” in the organization then you need someone who can properly navigate the corporate politic. If your sponsor is not willing to cross that bridge, then get his/her permission to allow you to reach out to other parties that garner influence with your prospective SME’s organization. This is an indirect path, but many times an influential third-party can assist in getting breakthroughs.
Bottom Line: It is completely reasonable and acceptable to use corporate politics to breakthrough corporate politics.
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1 reply by Erikka Cullum
Aug 10, 2019 8:49 PM
Erikka Cullum
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Thanks George. This is reasonable.
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LORI WILSONRETIRED - Technical Project Manager| RETIRED - LifePoint HealthClarkston, Wa, United States
Great advice has been provided already by my respected colleagues. Another thing I try in these situations is asking "motivational interviewing" type questions.......such as......on a scale of 1-10 with 1 being low and 10 being high, where would you rank your capacity or ability to complete this assignment on time? If they say anything higher than 1.....for example, if they respond I rank it a 4......I would then ask, why didn't you score it a 3? At this point, the responder flips to the positives or the things that will help them meet the goal. As they are speaking these things you have now switched their mindset to considering how they can meet the goal. Listen carefully and look for anything you can work with or build upon. If they say a 1, this won't really work.....but, if you can find a way to spin this positive and find some common ground you may create some energy and momentum!
I’ve been in such situations so I hear you Erikka. The only thing I could think of is to check with the SME’s colleagues as to what motivates him or her and you might be able to bring them around this way,
Certainly, can be challenging. Worth remembering that one group's priority does not equate to the same outside the project. When a project may require assistance from other groups or individuals, placing emphasis on inclusion of those 'non-core' team members to help them to understand the potential for future needs, etc. This way an individual(s) can be identified and allocated as needed.
That being said, see what can be done now by bringing or requesting allocation to aid in this particular initiative. May need to be escalated to ensure able to adhere to the schedule. If the priority of the initiative necessitates intervention, then it should be addressed through escalation.
Erikka, I've dealt with some notoriously difficult SMEs. With some, it is a personality issue, and with others it is a true resource constraint and priority issue.
Check with their colleagues as Rami pointed out as well as your own PM colleagues to determine whether they are like this to everyone. My general rule is always start out very polite as you said you are doing, but if they're just stubborn then I have to be polite but more firm and direct. This can be uncomfortable but is a necessary skill to develop. The problem SME eventually figures out that I'm not a pushover and that it will be easier to work with me than against me.
Talk to the manager about whether or not it is actually a resource prioritization issue. If that is the case, then management needs to decide whether or not to elevate the priority of your work over other work. If they decide not to, that is their call and when they ask why your project is stalled, that decision is why. Sometimes that happens in the course of business and as the PM there isn't much we can do to resolve it ourselves other than mitigating the problem and trying to get back on track once resources become available.
From what I have seen from my experience, I completely agree that escalation may be an option you need to take, but always try a more appreciated approach first, like you have been doing. My first step is always to talk with my other PMs to see who has worked with them before, and if this issue has ever occurred previously. I have one resource in particular in some of my projects that is just truly over-allocated, and I did not realize this until I talked to find what all projects she was currently working on. I also have a good relationship with my manager, so I sometimes go to her if I cannot break through with someone to get other ideas to see what might be the next best approach.
Good luck! Hope this works out.
Thank you. I feel like escalation is my last hope. Saving Changes...
As part of the escalation, I would also explain: a) the risks to the project's outcomes if the SME does not participate timely and effectively, and b) some potential solutions for mitigating the risks associated with the SME's resistance and lack of participation.
Ah, this is good. Thanks so much. Saving Changes...
