It’s rare to find projects in software development which do
not enter a crisis mode at least once in their lifetime. So, if you are finding yourself amidst the
thickest of a project-crisis, don’t worry, it’s not odd. The good news is that there are ways to
effectively manage this.
Key 1: Be aware and be bold to
accept
There are several signs way before any project runs into deep-crisis. It’s not odd to see people either not being
aware or even be in denial mode when these signs show up. Remember, the first step in solving any
problem is to realize and accept that one exists! The issues in small pockets that you had
observed might not seem to trigger a crisis.
It is possible that the other leaders are in the same boat. And all these issues put together might
result in deep trouble. Be aware of the
challenges and proactively understand from all parts of the project to find
patterns of the brewing trouble.
Key 2: Leaders take on the pressure,
Managers pass it on!
Be a leader and take the pressure head-on. It is possible that you are privy to
information that the teams aren't, and as a result, perhaps you are under
extreme stress and pressure. Exposing your
teams to the same is only going to yield adverse results and this is why.
You are aware that productivity is directly proportional to
the pressure (work or otherwise). Yes,
agreed that the pressure to an extent improves productivity positively, but
beyond a certain point, it impacts adversely.
Experience and the maturity that comes along makes the leaders take on
extreme pressure. But the same can’t be
expected from the team members. So, it
is the leader’s responsibility to gauge the “right-amount-of-pressure” that the
team can take-on to be productive. Don’t
throw your teams from pan to fire!!
Key 3: Opportunity in adversity
A wise man once said, “in every adversity lies the seed of
equal or greater opportunity”. And
history presents countless anecdotes on how true this is. Perhaps, everyone has a story to share here
from their own experience. The hope and
optimism is the key.
Not just the leaders but majority of the contributors should
believe that “this can be done”. All
communication should stress the need and the possibility of “how” this can be
done. In any crisis, it’s very common
that negativity spreads faster than the optimism. You know, weeds are automatic, but flowers are
not!! It takes some time and energy to
take out the weeds in order to grow a healthy garden. Again the role that leaders play here is of
paramount importance.
Key 4: Method to the madness
It is very common to see chaos in every crisis. And that’s stage one. The project is in crisis and everyone is
trying, of course with the right intentions, to pitch in and help. People are pulled into different discussions,
meetings, directions, and so on. The
fastest way to recover from a crisis is to bring some method to the madness by
applying some proven techniques.
Although it is human tendency to be emotional about crisis, it’s been proved
time and again that we respond very well to a logical recovery plan. Again, they key here is to get the buy-in
from all the people involved on the way forward and march-fast to reach the
goal.
Key 5: Every bucket counts
You might have heard the story of this king who ordered people
to contribute one bucket of milk to mark his birthday celebrations, hoping to
collect containers of quality milk. The
story goes like this. Everyone thought
since it’s going to be a large, covered container, it’s okay if they slip in a
bucket of water instead of milk without anyone noticing it! And predictably, the king was very unhappy to
see large containers of water instead of milk.
Morale of the story is that every bucket counts!! As leaders, it is your responsibility to
ensure everyone in your team understands this.
Ultimately, it boils down to the leaders! They make it or break it!! Whether command-control style is more
effective or the facilitative style, is really arguable. While leaders are comfortable with one or the
other styles, it’s not rare that the situation demands the right mix. And what matters most are the results.
All the best.
