10 Icebergs That Will Sink Your

Project
The Titanic was said to be
unsinkable. We know what
happened.

Many projects seem just as

solid at the outset, buoyed by
the optimism that naturally
comes with new things. But
there are a myriad of
obstacles that can quickly
turn a project into a disaster.

While there's no surefire way

to eliminate all of the
potential challenges that may
arise, being aware of them
and making good
preparations in advance can
make them much easier to
manage.

1. Unclear goals
Having a project without clear
goals will just confuse and
frustrate people. It's like
asking them to shoot an
arrow blindfolded with no idea
where the target is. After all,
if you don't know what your
intended destination is, how
will know when you arrive?
A good project goal should be short and simpleyou should be able to fit
it into a tweet (140 characters).

2. Insufficient plan detail.

All too often, project plans don't provide sufficient detail to ensure
success. Not only can this be confusing to team members, but it can lead
to inaccurate time and cost estimates.

The solution to this is to break down each segment of the project into
more detailed tasks and sub-tasks. These should be tasks that can be
completed in no more than a day or two in most cases. For larger, more
complex projects they should take no longer than five working days.

3. Scope creep.
Every project suffers some degree of changes in scope. It's inevitable,
because unforeseen issues will arise that demand some change. The key
is to not let them derail the entire project.

A good manager must carefully consider requests for change in scope. If

the scope of the project is expanded, make sure to expand the budget
and deadlines accordingly. Otherwise, the project and team members will
become too strained to accomplish everything on time.

4. Wrong people for the job.

Make sure the right people are working on the project. They need to have
the experience, skills, and knowledge needed to complete the tasks
assigned to them. A careful, honest evaluation should be done by the
project manager prior to the start of the job. Sometimes some training or
mentoring can fill the gap. Other times it may be necessary to outsource
some of the work involved.

5. Accountability issues.
It's critical that each person on the team is clear on his or her roles and is
accountable for their completion. A lack of accountability can lead to a
total project breakdown, particularly where there are task dependencies.
A project chart that clearly shows assignments can help tremendously.
Not only does each team member see and understand his or her areas of
responsibility, but the assignments of all team members are completely
transparent.

6. Inconsistent processes.
Having consistent templates, tools, and procedures make projects easier
to manage and run more efficiently. While each project may change in
size, scope, and team members, the process is often the same, or very
similar.

Diagram the work flow using a flowchart. Create it from the perspective
of the job, not the individual doing the work. That way, new team
members or outsourced contractors can quickly understand their role and
how it fits into the overall project structure.
7. Poor communication.
Project managers need to keep lines of communication open with team
members at all times. This needs to be a two-way street. Set this up as
part of the project process, so that there is regular communication.
Knowing about any possible delays or issues early can help you avoid
more serious problems down the road.

8. Unrealistic deadlines.
Sometimes, a short deadline for a high-profile client with an important
project can get a team focused and energized. But successful project
managers know that setting unrealistic deadlines on an ongoing basis is a
recipe for disaster. It will kill morale and lead to late deliveries, making
for unhappy customers.

9. Risk mismanagement.
Sometimes a project is planned out in detail, everyone is on board, and
things are running smoothly. Then an unforeseen occurrence happens and
the project skids off the rails. Why? Failure to manage for risks. A good
project manager must not only plan but also prepare for contingencies.
Constantly ask "what if?" questions - both of yourself and of your team
members.

10. Stakeholder apathy.

Often, this is a byproduct of projects that don't mesh with the
organization's strategic plan. Those that do are far more likely to receive
management's support for resource and budget requests.

It"s also critical for the project manager to communicate clearly and
consistently with all stakeholdersteam members, vendors, contractors,
management, and the clientthroughout the life of the project.
Encourage feedback, as well. Keeping all parties engaged in the process
will lead to less stress and a more positive project experience.