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
Seek forgiveness rather than permission
Seek forgiveness rather than permission “Seek forgiveness, not permission.” I can’t remember when I first […]
Is a 360 degree view necessary?
Is a 360 degree view necessary? “A 360 degree view of our members should NOT […]
Why data matters
Why data matters I write about data because managing our data effectively will help us […]
It’s about process
It’s about process I’m in the midst of adding an AI agent to my website […]
Data integrity reports
Data integrity reports I speak and write a lot about data integrity reports. So I […]
The most important training tip
The most important training tip I’ve been sitting in a lot of database training sessions […]
Be careful about getting tangled
Be careful about getting tangled “We had done a lot to tangle ourselves up.” – […]
Discipline. Always discipline.
Discipline. Always discipline. I’ve been producing a newsletter in some form for over 25 years […]
Simpler is better
Simpler is better Recently, a client of mine was discussing how they manage membership reinstatements. […]
Baby steps
Baby Steps A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. You have […]
