Navigate Project Setbacks and Stakeholder Management Like a Pro
It’s the kind of stressful moment every project manager dreads – you’re cruising along, everything’s on track, and then, out of nowhere, a major problem shows up that threatens your project’s timeline and budget.
Unfortunately, this kind of thing happens all the time on projects – where a major issue puts a project on hold, and you end up having to deal with a stakeholder who’s less than thrilled about delays.
What do you do when a critical problem lands in your lap and your key stakeholders are already on edge? With the right approach, you can handle the crisis with both poise and confidence – you can rock stakeholder management.
Tip One: Immediate Action – Triage the Situation
When disaster strikes, the first thing to do is break the problem into manageable pieces. Organize an emergency meeting with your Steering Committee or senior stakeholders to discuss the issue, present potential solutions, and agree on the best course of action.
In these high-pressure moments, having a clear plan, and a calm demeanor is key to moving forward.
Tip Two: Handle Stakeholder Reactions Professionally
What happens when a senior executive reacts poorly to a delay? Managing the technical issue is one thing, but managing the stakeholder’s reaction requires a different set of skills.
Handling an angry or frustrated executive with respect, while keeping the project on track, can be a challenge. The best approach? A private meeting, with your sponsor’s support, where you can discuss the situation calmly and present your plan for resolving the issue.
Want More Tips on Managing Stakeholder Showdowns?
There are more steps you’ll need to take to handle tough situations like this one. In this week’s video, I break down a specific project scenario, and I cover:
- The importance of setting up your project plan properly to prevent unexpected issues.
- How to prepare for project crises – before they happen – with proper risk management.
- Key actions you can take to stay on track even when personalities are challenging.
Check out the full video for practical tips on how to navigate stakeholder crises without losing control. By being proactive and staying calm under pressure, you’ll turn potential setbacks into opportunities for growth, making you a stronger project manager in the process.
Cheers,
Adriana Girdler, PMP | Creator of Slay Project Management™
