Challenges that project managers face at work and how to overcome them. Image credit: AdobeStock
It is expected from a project manager to handle the most difficult situations in a way that positive results are obtained.
To hold and manage such a demanding position, one must have good knowledge, skill, and expertise along with various technological resources. Yet the complexities involved in managing a project make it a challenging profession.
Though many methodologies have evolved to manage the project effectively, every new project brings along a new set of challenges. Listed below are some of the common challenges that the project manager faces despite implementing the best project management software.
Unclear Goals: In a general scenario also, whenever you begin anything new, you tend to define the path with a distinct objective of achieving something. Defining the clear objective is like laying the foundation stone which will define the structure. It is the responsibility of the project manager to ask the right set of questions from management at the beginning of the project to set both short-term and long-term objectives. This will help in measuring the team’s performance as well as the progress of the project. Set clear goals keeping how, why and what to define the clear objective and set the right path.
Communication Gap: Be it giving instruction, seeking information, or asking questions, setting and communicating clear expectations can take the flow of the project delivery towards success. Miscommunication or communication gaps can not only cause delay but also blunders which may end up in project failure and huge losses. It can also lead to conflicts amongst team members. Effective communication is one of the most important skills a project manager is required to have. Implement proper project management tools to ensure a transparent and timely flow of information to all the stakeholders involved in the project.
Deadlines: In this competitive world, the targets are getting aggressive by each day. Having said that, any unrealistic deadlines will either lead to the failure of the project or will lead to delayed delivery or will compromise on the quality of the end-product. According to the set objectives, goals, and plan, talk about the challenges or concerns with the client. Set realistic timelines/deadlines by giving practical reasons. Keep an eye on the project dashboard and calendar to analyze real-time progress. Communicate the same with all the stakeholders proactively, thus keeping the teams on the same page.
Teamwork: To manage a team of people that consist of different personalities, skillsets, cultural backgrounds becomes challenging most of the time. As every team member will have a specific task and dependency on other team members, maintaining a smooth workflow by resolving the conflicts on a timely basis should be tackled with sensitivity by an effective project manager. Pre-assessing the skills and creating a positive work environment can help in dealing with this challenge. Having team-building activities and regular team interactions are very effective methods of keeping the team collaborated and coordinated.
Risk Management: Strategizing the project by identifying, managing, and controlling all the potential risks before the time is what risk management is all about. Not all the risks can be assessed in advance. How well and timely you manage these risks defines the efficiency of a successful project manager. By collecting the data beforehand and strategic planning can help the managers to anticipate the risk. If the risk can be anticipated, it becomes easier to take the required corrective measure on time thus avoiding the aftereffects it may cause.
Team Skills And Accountability: For any project to succeed, a combination of skills and accountability is required. Choosing the team with the right skill sets as per the project objective, plan, and goals helps you win half the battle. Rest can be dealt with by ensuring that each team member is accountable for the assigned task every day and does not get involved in any kind of blame game. Along with pinpointing the misses, rewarding the accountable team member also works in creating a healthy competition.
Conclusion: Although project management is an individual skill that enhances with each project that a project manager handles, implementing good project management software will help you deal with day-to-day challenges.