How to Lead Projects Aligned with Hidden Priorities

Have you ever delivered a project perfectly aligned with the strategy on paper, only to find it didn’t hit the mark? A friend of mine—let’s call her Sarah—learned this the hard way. Her story is a cautionary tale for all of us who rely too heavily on documented strategies while missing the subtle, unspoken dynamics driving organizational decisions.

Sarah was leading a high-stakes product launch for her company. The official strategy emphasized sustainability as the top priority, and her team worked tirelessly to deliver on that vision. But when leadership reviewed the final product, the response was underwhelming.

Later, Sarah discovered the real issue. The executive team, under pressure from investors, was prioritizing short-term revenue gains. Sustainability still mattered—but proving immediate financial viability had become the unspoken driver of decisions. As Sarah put it, “We followed the map, but the destination had already changed, and no one thought to update the directions.”

It’s not just Sarah. A recent study by Harvard Business Review found that nearly 60% of employees believe their company’s formal strategies don’t fully reflect leadership’s actual priorities. For project leaders, this disconnect can turn into a career minefield if we’re not paying attention.

Why Unstated Priorities Derail Projects

Most project leaders thrive on clarity. We crave well-defined scopes, crisp timelines, and measurable KPIs. The problem is that unstated priorities rarely come with that kind of clarity.

They’re subtle and live in the gaps. These gaps show up as recurring themes in leadership discussions, quiet shifts in which metrics get emphasized, or even what’s conspicuously left unsaid.

To make things trickier, unstated priorities can shift without warning. What’s critical one day—say, market expansion—can take a backseat the moment a competitor launches a game-changing product.

If we don’t pick up on these shifts, our projects risk falling out of sync. Even when we think we’re doing everything right, we can find ourselves delivering what’s no longer needed.

Navigating the Ambiguity

So, how do we adapt? First, we need to accept that ambiguity is part of the job. It’s not a distraction—it’s the reality of leadership in complex organizations.

Sarah told me the best insight she gained from her experience: Pay attention to what leadership emphasizes, not just what they say. In her case, the subtle focus on short-term profit projections should have tipped her off sooner.

Another key is to build a broader information network. Stakeholders in departments like sales, marketing, or customer service often have a more accurate sense of what’s really keeping leadership up at night. Those insights are invaluable for decoding hidden priorities.

Actionable Takeaways

If unstated priorities are the reality, here’s how you can better navigate them:

1. Ask the Right Questions

Go beyond the surface in kickoff meetings. Ask questions like, “What’s the one outcome that would make this project an undeniable success?” Often, this reveals priorities that aren’t written down.

2. Watch for Patterns

Pay attention to recurring themes in discussions. If leadership keeps circling back to certain metrics or challenges, they’re signaling what really matters.

3. Expand Your Network

Build relationships outside your immediate team. People in finance, sales, or operations often have insights into leadership’s shifting focus.

4. Stay Adaptable

Treat the formal strategy as a guide, not a strict roadmap. Be ready to pivot when circumstances change.

5. Confirm Your Insights

If you sense hidden priorities, bring them up with decision-makers. Proactively seeking clarity establishes you as a leader who thinks strategically.

Unstated priorities aren’t a detour—they’re part of the journey. Sarah’s experience taught me that the leaders who succeed aren’t just those who deliver on documented plans. They’re the ones who see between the lines, adapt, and remain strategically relevant in a constantly shifting landscape.

Until next time!

About the Author

Dantes Lahens is a seasoned management consultant and expert in project leadership, specializing in strategic influence and decisive execution. He is dedicated to helping project professionals elevate their leadership skills, navigate complex stakeholder dynamics, and drive impactful project outcomes aligned with organizational goals. Through his work, Dantes empowers professionals to lead with purpose, agility, and measurable impact.

Learn more at www.danteslahens.com