What do you do if your project as a volunteer project manager is at risk of failure?

One thing that I have found helpful in assessing risks when a volunteer project is at risk of failure is to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Often, when we're deeply involved in a project, it's easy to get bogged down in the details and lose sight of the overall goals and objectives. By revisiting the project's initial purpose and desired outcomes, you can gain clarity on what truly matters and what risks pose the most significant threats. It also helps involve stakeholders and team members in this risk assessment process, as they may bring fresh perspectives and identify potential risks you may have overlooked. Once you've identified the key risks, it's essential to prioritize them based on their potential impact.

One thing that I have found helpful when engaging the team as a volunteer project manager with a project at risk is to foster an environment of psychological safety. When people feel they can speak up without fear of ridicule or punishment, they are more likely to contribute ideas and surface potential issues early before they escalate. Creating this safe space involves leading by example - being open to criticism yourself, admitting mistakes, and making it clear that you value candid feedback. Encourage team members to challenge assumptions and ask "what if" questions. Make it a routine to solicit input from all members, not just the vocal few.

One thing I have found helpful is to lead with empathy and understanding. Recognize that the team members are likely feeling stressed, frustrated, or even demoralized by the project's struggles. Take the time to listen to their concerns, validate their emotions, and express appreciation for their efforts. This can go a long way in boosting morale and maintaining a positive team dynamic. Another helpful approach is to provide clear guidance and direction. When a project is veering off course, team members may feel uncertain about their roles and responsibilities. Clarify expectations, set realistic goals, and establish a plan of action to get the project back on track. Regular check-ins and progress updates can help the team stay focused.

I once volunteered as a project manager for a community garden initiative. Initially, there was a lot of enthusiasm and we had recruited a good number of volunteers. However, as the workload increased and the summer heat set in, participation started to dwindle. To re-energize the team, we decided to host a potluck dinner at the garden, where volunteers could socialize, share their harvests, and discuss challenges. This informal gathering helped rebuild team camaraderie and led to some great ideas for making the workload more manageable through job-sharing and bringing in high school students for community service hours.