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:
- 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.
- Once the list is established, identify the key priorities AND the low-hanging fruit (issues that can be fixed quickly and easily).
- 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
Dashboards for Data Integrity
Dashboards for Data Integrity I’ve written a bunch on data integrity reports. (Click here for […]
Next-to-Nothing Goals
Next-to-Nothing Goals I saw a Ted Talk by Christine Carter recently discussing the concept of […]
Just because you can…
Just because you can… In response to a recent Wednesday Wisdom on averages hiding the […]
Always ask “Why?”
Always ask “Why?” Little kids ask “Why?” all the time, because they are sponges for […]
Averages hide the extremes
Averages hide the extremes I can’t remember where I first heard it, but “averages hide […]
Look up PARTIAL names!
Look up PARTIAL names! Train your staff to do look ups on partial names, not full […]
Not Just Technology
Not Just Technology There was recently a discussion on the ASAE online community about project management […]
Consider quitting
Consider quitting Patient: “Doctor, it hurts when I do this.” Doctor: “Then stop doing that.” […]
There is nothing so permanent as business rules
There is nothing so permanent as business rules Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman said, “There’s nothing […]
Budget for feature discovery and adoption
Budget for feature discovery and adoption When developing a budget for implementation of a new […]
