What do you do if your team's technological project is underperforming?

Well it can happen that objectives initially set may not be fulfilled due to changes in many factors. The solution to such problems is to evolve and adapt with the change so that you and your team is always updated. When such practice is implemented, the chances of failure gets minimized because the entire team is constantly reassessing the objectives with time.

Performance can be very subjective. Sometimes very ambitious goals are set and hence might result otherwise. The more clear & precise goals you can come up with the better chance you have. Always keep your team in the center while coming up with plans. Don't be afraid if the goals need adjustments. Communicate clearly with the team.

Inadequate risk management can lead to unanticipated problems that detract from project performance. Identifying and managing risks is critical in technology projects. Technology projects often entail complex integration of various components, systems, and processes, each with its own set of uncertainties. Predicting how these elements will interact can be challenging, leading to unexpected issues and underperformance.

Regular review & retrospecting of the progress should be the approach. Try to get critical while gathering feedback rather than just status updates. Team members are the ones responsible for completing or achieving the goals hence creating an atmosphere where they can freely provide feedback. Act on it.

You can not improve if you can not measure. Gather the data. Use the right method & tools that suit your team & process. Always try to figure out the root cause and don't get distracted with outliers. Involve your teams & validate with them.

Changes are fine. Modify the plan, execute it, and constantly improve. Communicate effectively with the team members & stakeholders.

Strong personal connections within a team aren’t just nice to have; they’re crucial for standout results. Yet, don’t overlook the power of a good old status update meeting. Depending on our project’s rhythm, we touch base 1-3 times a week. It keeps us aligned and accountable. In these meetings, pin down the deadlines and slot them into your project management tool of choice, be it Asana, Jira, or Linear. Think of it as a pact with your team member, a mutual commitment to pace and progress. Leadership is about setting the tone. When you’re engaged, motivated, and actively knocking down barriers for your team, you’re not just managing; you’re inspiring. It’s about igniting that initial spark that sets the flywheel in motion.

It's crucial to recognize that it's not just about the technology itself, but rather the acceptance and acknowledgment of the benefits that come with change. The team should feel encouraged to voice new ideas and given the resources to individually try and if needed positively educate others on the benefits peer-to-peer not top down.

At Roitels Inc., we believe that innovation is the foundation of our success. To ensure our projects thrive, we have established a culture that not only encourages but also rewards creative thinking and innovative solutions. Our approach is based on the understanding that every idea, no matter how unconventional, has the potential to revolutionize our operations and customer experiences. We have adopted a growth mindset, fostering an environment where our team members understand that their skills can be developed through dedication and hard work. This mindset allows them to think innovatively and explore new ideas, knowing that their contributions are valued and celebrated.

When faced with an underperforming technological project, employ critical and creative thinking skills to navigate challenges effectively. Start by discerning between fact and opinion amidst mass information. Challenge assumptions and biases hindering progress. Foster an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and questioning is encouraged. Collaborate to generate innovative solutions. Utilize tools like open-ended questioning and managing distractions. Embrace flexibility and seek out new ideas. Integrating critical and creative thinking can elevate project performance in today's dynamic world.