Karthik RamamurthyAuthor, Say YES to Project Success| Founder KeyResultzChennai, Tamilnadu, Tamilnadu, India
You are managing a critical digital transformation project for one of your company's most important customers. Chris, the head of Human Resources (HR) in the client company, has been consistently spreading rumors of large-scale layoffs in the department. While the rumors are completely baseless, they have already started seriously affecting your project since staff in the HR department are refusing to cooperate or to share the information which is critical to project progress. You have tried engaging Chris in a superficial manager, but your efforts have failed. He seems to believe that the success of your project will considerably reduce his power and influence. From your experience, which of these is the best way to deal with this troubling situation? I've provided four possible options, but feel free to add your perspectives for the benefit of our dynamic community on this platform: 1. Ignore the situation and ask your team to try their best to move forward. 2. Escalate the issue to Chris' boss, the CEO of the client's company. 3. Escalate the issue to your boss who is Vice President (Projects). 4. Deepen your engagement which Chris, with conversations convincing him of how the project will not affect his position or stature. Saving Changes...
Bill DowPMO Director| University of WARenton, Wa, United States
I think you need to start with trying to understand the why. I don't believe people come into work day to day to sabotage anyone's work, but I do believe many people have different priorities which causes these kinds of problems. Have you tried to talk to them and understand their concerns and what they need out of the project? If so, how did that go? Lots of reasons why, but first start by talking to them and getting more information and then you can plan for your next steps. Saving Changes...
It should be a priority to learn about what that individual is doing to 'sabotage' the project. Saving Changes...
Gretta KelziOperations Manager/Ethics Insights Team| Esri Lebanon/PMIJdeidet Al Maten, Al Maten, Lebanon
why 4 is the best answer? because direct communication with others mean that you care, and you respect the point of view of others.
This will lead to deepen the discussions, showing honestly the benefits of the changes, and get the buy in of others to embark in this endeavor. (responsibility) Saving Changes...
# 1The situation can hardly be ignored. I dont understand how your bosses are not aware of this but your team is obviously aware of the situation, but as the leader you need to keep them focused and moving forward while you address the problems.
# 4 Superficial engagement with Chris is not enough. The PM needs to have a focused and direct conversation with Chris regarding his conduct and actions, and the implications of those , followed up with a public reversal and demonstrated commitment to his support
#2 Executive sponsor intervention and engagement is also needed by openly addressing the validity and problems caused from the rumor spreading. A meeting with all involved need to address absence of honesty and the conflict of interest , with Chris putting his thirst for power and influence above the project needs for project goals and success of the organizations. Saving Changes...
