How to save a “failing” project

How to save a "failing" project

It is not unusual for me to receive a call from an association that sounds something like this: "We implemented a new AMS in the past year, everyone on staff hates the new system, and this whole project is failing. What can we do to save it?"

While every project is different, in most cases there are three things that should be done immediately to save the project:

  1. Create a "laundry list" of all the issues that need to be addressed. This can be accomplished by holding "bitch sessions" with the staff (which in itself can be cathartic). The key here is to document all the issues raised.
  2. Once the list is established, identify the key priorities AND the low-hanging fruit (issues that can be fixed quickly and easily).
  3. Establish a regular cadence (weekly) of communicating all progress to all staff. (This is standard database PR, something you should already be doing!)

The objectives here are straightforward: Demonstrating that you hear the issues and understand them (documentation); demonstrating that you're going to address them (low-hanging fruit); and communicating your wins (database PR).

In my experience, most projects are salvageable, and taking these three steps immediately is a great place to start.

Wes's Wednesday Wisdom Archives

We remember moments…

March 22, 2023

We remember moments… “We do not remember days, we remember moments.” – Cesare Pavese Another …

We remember moments… Read More »

Acknowledging problems is part of managing expectations

March 15, 2023

Acknowledging problems is part of managing expectations Research was done some time ago that suggested …

Acknowledging problems is part of managing expectations Read More »

Need data? Consider third-party sources

March 8, 2023

Need data? Consider third-party sources I always tell my clients, only collect data that you’re …

Need data? Consider third-party sources Read More »

Action must follow the decision

March 1, 2023

Action must follow the decision When I work with my clients on their projects (whether …

Action must follow the decision Read More »

Everything should be focused on improving user adoption

February 22, 2023

Everything should be focused on improving user adoption Your AMS is a tool, and a …

Everything should be focused on improving user adoption Read More »

Needs change over time, and that’s OK

February 15, 2023

Needs change over time, and that’s OK I was speaking with a couple of association …

Needs change over time, and that’s OK Read More »

The vaguer the question, the vaguer the answer

February 9, 2023

The vaguer the question, the vaguer the answer As the old saying goes, the devil …

The vaguer the question, the vaguer the answer Read More »

The best choice given the information you have

February 2, 2023

The best choice given the information you have “Hindsight is 20/20” is a cliché because, …

The best choice given the information you have Read More »

Action isn’t the same as progress

January 25, 2023

Action isn’t the same as progress I’ve written before that not taking action is an …

Action isn’t the same as progress Read More »

Start with the end in mind

January 18, 2023

Start with the end in mind Like so many, I probably first heard the phrase …

Start with the end in mind Read More »

Scroll to Top