Here's how you can navigate seeking feedback and advice post a failed IT project.

1 Own Failure

When a project doesn't go as planned, it's crucial to take ownership of the failure. Acknowledge the situation with your team and stakeholders, and resist the urge to place blame. This creates a safe environment for open dialogue and shows that you're committed to understanding what went wrong. Taking responsibility sets the stage for constructive feedback and demonstrates leadership, paving the way for a transparent assessment of the project's shortcomings.

2 Seek Feedback

After owning up to the failure, actively seek feedback from your team, stakeholders, and even customers if applicable. Ask specific questions to get to the heart of what could have been done differently. Encourage honesty and ensure that everyone understands their input is valued and will be used constructively. This feedback is essential for identifying both the technical and managerial aspects that contributed to the project's downfall.

3 Analyze Thoroughly

With feedback in hand, conduct a thorough analysis of the failed project. Look beyond the surface issues to understand the underlying factors that led to the failure. This could include technical missteps, communication breakdowns, or project management errors. Use this analysis to create a detailed report that includes what was learned and how these insights can be applied to future projects.

4 Plan Forward

Armed with a clear understanding of what went wrong, you can start planning how to move forward. Develop a strategy that incorporates the feedback and lessons learned. This might involve revisiting project management methodologies, enhancing communication channels, or investing in further training for your team. Whatever the plan, ensure it's actionable and focused on preventing similar issues in future IT projects.

5 Implement Changes

Implementation is where you put your recovery plan into action. Make the necessary changes to processes, tools, or team structures based on your analysis. This might involve adopting new software development methodologies like Agile or DevOps, or restructuring teams for better collaboration. Monitor these changes closely to ensure they're effectively addressing the issues identified and leading to improvements in project outcomes.

6 Maintain Momentum

Finally, maintain momentum by continuously seeking feedback even after changes are implemented. Treat the failed project as a learning experience that propels ongoing improvement. Encourage your team to stay vigilant and proactive in identifying potential issues early on. This culture of continuous feedback and improvement will help safeguard your IT projects against future failures and strengthen your team's resilience.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?