Audumbar DhuriSenior Project Manager| Bentley Systems Dombivali, Maharashtra, India
Recently I faced a confusing situation in the project I am handling. The project is running short of manpower than planned due to various issues as they are being diverted to manage dire situations on other projects of same project sponsor.
I raised the issue in writing to Project sponsor to speak with the client at sponsor level to seek understanding that the schedule activities will be delayed for some time ahead till the management tides over the situation else to give me suitable directives on going ahead with the project.
The Project sponsor called me and directed me to put up a proposal to client recommending stopping of project for 1 month and then crashing the activity when resources will be available at later date. (which I have no gurantee that the resources will be made available at that point of time too)
I denied on submitting such a proposal saying that this is beyond my mandate as PM and it is his responsibility to be originator of such a proposal.
Pl guide if I was correct or wrong and if there is any other way out?
Saving Changes...
Audumbar, consider this:
1] The project has been downgraded, it is obviously not a business priority - at the moment
2] It seems that the Sponsor isn't taking overall responsibility for the outcome and doesn't appear to be supporting you at this time, perhaps he knows something you don't?
3] The project will be late, will not deliver everything required and you WILL be in the firing line. First step to dealing with this istuation is accepting this
4] You can only prepare for the aftermath,so, damage control
5]Arrange a "Status Update" meeting for "critical stakeholders", of whom the sponsor is one and the client also
6] Be prepared, at this meeting explain progress to date, planned progress and highlight key risks and issues. Make a point of keeping a separate slide to explain the the problem with resource and what options are available - i'm afraid that's your job as PM.
7] Watch the client's reaction ;0)
8] Maintain it is about resource and redirect the session in the way towards your sponsor who is able to secure resource for the project.
9] Keep calm and maintain your position - you do not control resource
10] Learn from this, PM can sometimes be a dirty game, don't be afraid to join in! Saving Changes...
Anonymous
This is not about "morality" whether or not people should or shouldn't place blame. This is about you, your reputation, your credibility.
Lesson for those of us not used to the Indian culture of management, documentation and audit trails will not help Audumbar!
