Common Reasons Why Project Managers Freak Out And What Can Be Done About It
The life of a project manager can be summarised in two words: bring results. But behind those two words are a series of situations to manage , activities to carry out, paperwork to be filled and people to manage which can be stressfull.
The business world is in constant change. As time passes the complexity of tasks a project manager is responsible for doing just won’t stop growing. Being a project manager can mean waking up as an HR manager, becoming a Customer Care specialist in the afternoon and wake up the next morning asking yourself why new Laws and Regulations had come to life at that particular moment. Such a routine can make any stable person freak out or even fall into more serious situations like nervous breakdowns or burnout.
Project success doesn’t depend solely on the Manager ability to orchestrate time, cost and scope(internal). It’s as well strongly related to external factors. Put together, the impact these factors have on a manager is immense: from accomplishment (a yes from a Senior Manager) to freaking out (client changes his mind). Here are short list of things Project Managers hate and ways to prevent it:
Freakout reason #1: Employees aren’t keeping up with the tempo
How to avoid it:
- Constant communication with employees (have meetings, have a chatting tool accessible for every member, brainstorm, feedback)
- Fitting well project nature and employee skills
- Be clear when defining employee goals and group goals
- Transparency, always be upfront with the current situation (be clear about resources, input required, budget )
Freakout reason #2: Waiting for decisions from higher bosses
How to avoid it:
- Ask for a deadline
- Provide them relevant information which increases clarity
- Present options, present a best choice and explain all why’s
- Constant communication
Freakout reason #3: Bad budgeting
How to avoid it:
- Total budget and core costs must be at least a perfect fit
- Always anticipate budget estimates
- Monitor resources weekly
- Making a clear an detailed definition of the project outcome.
Freakout reason #4: Client changes his mind
How to avoid it:
- Making solid contracts and making sure the client was presented with all terms of service
- Making predetermined notes for additional works in case the project scope changes