Failure is not fun. It can be difficult to overcome significant mistakes.
Failure is part of the human condition. Even the most successful people fail. There is no one, team, or company that is perfect.
It can be very difficult for project managers who have recently experienced a poor project outcome to find the strength and drive to move forward. However, this is the only way to go.
Project Fails: The Different Natures
There are many reasons why projects fail. Overestimating the budget or the schedule could be a reason for failure. This is a much easier problem to understand. Sometimes, however the project is completed within the budget and on time, but still falls short of the client’s expectations.
There are many factors that could lead to a project’s failure. Most common causes of project failure are unrealistic goals, inadequate planning and preparation, poor time and cost management, poor communication, or “acts God” such as natural disasters and uncontrollable accidents.
You can see why everyone is susceptible to failure when you consider all the possibilities. It is important to learn how to overcome failure and move on.
Important Elements of Recovery
It can be difficult to bounce back from a failed project. Here is a step-by–step guide. These two steps require a personal journey. These are necessary to prepare for the final step which involves your team.
1. Evaluate the project that failed
No matter the outcome of a project, all projects should be evaluated. To identify the strengths and weaknesses of your team, you should focus on the small wins as well as the losses. This will help you make better decisions for future projects.
If you want to improve your project management skills, reflection and analysis should be part of your daily routine.
2. Change your attitude towards failure
Failure doesn’t have be the end of your career. It is better to see failure as a learning opportunity than as a sign that you are about to end your career.
A proactive mindset can help you transform a disappointing outcome into something positive. Failure is a valuable experience. This is why Samuel Beckett’s avant-garde writer “Fail better” quote says it all. Never failed. It doesn’t matter. Retry. Fail again. Fail again. Many leaders and entrepreneurs have found inspiration in the phrase “Fail better”.
This doesn’t mean you have to be happy with your failures. This is a reminder to focus on your own improvement and not on beating yourself up for making mistakes. Frustration is normal, but you must get over it. Do not let frustration get in the way of your ability to think clearly.
3. Move towards solutions
After you have done your reflection and gotten your head straight, you can start a dialogue with your team. To be able to solve problems more effectively and find lasting solutions, cultivate a culture of trust and openness.
Remember that failures can be discussed constructively. Your team shouldn’t keep silent when there is potential for mutual improvement. Here are some guidelines to encourage active discussion.
4. Give them the space to feel sorry
Emotional agility is a variable trait. Some people are more resilient, and can bounce back from hardships much better than others. Others tend to take longer to heal.
You, as the manager, should allow your team and yourself to savor the moment. You should not sweep the matter under the rug and then, stuffed with false cheer, rally everyone to move on. Instead of being motivating, you will come across as uncaring and dismissive.
5. Take a proactive approach to the failed project.
While you can work together to determine the root cause of the problem, don’t point fingers. You don’t have to play the blame game but you shouldn’t sugarcoat your mistakes.
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