In the previous Project Management Challenges post, we described 8 common challenges contributing to project failure. The following are a couple more potential pitfalls to avoid.
Limited access to project files and information
When work descriptions, schedules and other documents are inconvenient to access or hoarded, project management requirements go up and productivity goes down.
Wasted efforts
There can be many reasons results are not achieved or a team pursues unproductive activities. Real-time project tracking and open communications help maintain progress.
Too many project meetings
Without effective communication systems, teams must resort to a large number of productivity-sapping meetings.
Employee turnover
Miscommunication, uncertain responsibilities and low productivity lead to the defection of valuable team members.
High learning curve for new employees
When key project details are stored in the head of someone no longer on the team or is otherwise difficult to access, new staff takes much longer to be effective.
Lack of accountability
When people are uncertain about their responsibilities or can hide from them, tasks fall through the cracks and work goes undone.
We all know that project failure is expensive. Of course, there's much more to project success than simply making sure the items described here don't happen. But if you're using a system like GrandView that ensures good communication, knowledge sharing, and accountability, it's much more likely they won't happen - freeing you up to focus on your business details that really matter.
Thomas Dormo
GrandView Business Solutions Director