What do you do if your project risks and issues are spiraling out of control?

If your project is facing big problems, gather everyone involved to talk about what's happening. Figure out why things are going wrong and decide which issues need fixing first. Take quick steps to tackle the most important problems and make a plan to deal with any future risks. Keep the client informed about what's happening and how you're fixing things. Being open and proactive can help get things back on track.

Don't spend much time on something that can be done later. Prioritize and know what is more urgent, which can create costly and unbearable issues.

Figuring out the urgency and the gravity of the situation can help to understand more as how to deal with the urgency. We have to jot down and visualise the urgency in a situation specific manner. Stakeholders are to be kept in loop for all time alert with time and resources should be ready to gear up the situation to make the next day better for business.

You should do it with others and make critical decisions. You must also regularly connect with stakeholders and inform them of every little detail.

Before implementing any solutions, see if anyone has done it before around you or your network. Don't hesitate to ask for feedback. Don't repeat a mistake twice, and to ensure it's the right solution, ensure you have the right people around you.

- Pulse check: Daily checkpoints with the senior leadership (Client and Delivery team) to update on top 3 Risks and Issues resolution. - Booster meeting: Monday mornings, set up a meeting with the delivery team (internal only) to align on the tasks for the week, address concerns and share good "vibes" to boost the team in achieving the week's goals. - Project team meeting: Middle of the week, have a meeting with the entire project team (internal and external - Client) to monitor progress, address the resolution of the issues and asses the risks. Those governance instances will create a cadence to solve the current situation and anticipate the risks before becoming an issue.

When project risks and issues begin to spiral out of control, it's crucial to take immediate action. Start by reassessing the project plan and identifying the root causes of the problems. Engage with key stakeholders to gather insights and perspectives on potential solutions. Prioritize the most critical issues and allocate resources accordingly to address them effectively. Implement proactive measures to mitigate future risks and establish clear communication channels to keep all stakeholders informed of progress and changes. By taking swift and decisive action, you can regain control of the project and steer it back on course towards success.

- Emotional intelligence: Maintain a supportive atmosphere and don't push people above the limit. When your project is getting out of control, it can create panic and put the entire project team (Client included) under pressure. This will be counter-productive in the long term. It is better to take a step back, analyse and then explain the situation to the team with an action plan already defined. - Team spirit: The stronger the team spirit is the more the members will feel motivated to make the project a success. Unity within the project team is essential: Consultants and Clients must feel complementary and both responsible for the project's outcome. Those two pieces of advice are based on my +13 experience as a Senior Project Manager.