The Most Dangerous Phrase in Project Management: ‘We’ll Figure It Out as We Go

Communications Management Teams

Zakaria Botros

Community Champion

Project Manager | Driving Clean Energy Innovations for a Sustainable Future| Canadian Nuclear Laboratories Ontario, Canada

We’ll figure it out as we go” is often sold as flexibility and empowerment. In reality, it’s sometimes code for unclear ownership, deferred decisions, and risk avoidance — with the PM left holding the bag.

When does “adaptability” become an excuse for poor leadership and weak decision-making?

Posted: Jan 8, 2026 7:49 AM

Lissette Indhira Pimentel Sosa

Community Champion

Program Manager| HARPER SRL Santo Domingo / Distrito Nacional, Dominican Republic

I think “we’ll figure it out as we go” can become dangerous when it replaces intent, not when it supports learning. Adaptability works when roles, decision rights, and risk boundaries are clear, even if the solution is not. It turns into weak leadership when ownership is vague, decisions are postponed by default, and the PM is expected to absorb the consequences. Flexibility without accountability is not agility, it’s uncertainty shifted downstream.

Posted: Jan 8, 2026 1:11 PM

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The Most Dangerous Phrase in Project Management: ‘We’ll Figure It Out as We Go

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