10 Icebergs That Will Sink Your Project

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The Titanic was said to be unsinkable. We know what happened.

Many projects seem just as solid at the outset, buoyed by the optimism
that naturally comes with new things. But there are a myriad of obstacles
that can quickly turn a project into a disaster.
While there's no sure way to eliminate all of the potential challenges that
may arise, being aware of them and making good preparations in
advance can make them much easier to manage.
1. Unclear Goals
Having a project without clear goals will just confuse and frustrate
people. It's like asking them to shoot an arrow blindfolded with no idea
where the target is. After all, if you don't know what your intended
destination is, how will know when you arrive?
A good project goal should be short and simple—you should be able to
fit it into a tweet (140 characters).

2. Insufficient Plan Detail

All too often, project plans don't provide sufficient detail to ensure
success. Not only can this be confusing to team members, but it can
lead to inaccurate time and cost estimates.
The solution to this is to break down each segment of the project into
more detailed tasks and sub-tasks. These should be tasks that can be
completed in no more than a day or two in most cases. For larger, more
complex projects they should take no longer than five working days.

3. Scope Creep
Every project suffers some degree of changes in scope. It's inevitable,
because unforeseen issues will arise that demand some change. The key
is to not let them derail the entire project.
A good manager must carefully consider requests for change in scope. If
the scope of the project is expanded, make sure to expand the budget
and deadlines accordingly. Otherwise, the project and team members
will become too strained to accomplish everything on time.
4. Wrong People for the Job
Make sure the right people are working on the project. They need to
have the experience, skills, and knowledge needed to complete the
tasks assigned to them. A careful, honest evaluation should be done by
the project manager prior to the start of the job. Sometimes some
training or mentoring can fill the gap. Other times it may be necessary to
outsource some of the work involved.

5. Accountability Issues
It's critical that each person on the team is clear on his or her roles and is
accountable for their completion. A lack of accountability can lead to a
total project breakdown, particularly where there are task
dependencies.
You'll want to make sure that any project is translated to actionable
items assigned to team members. You can use tools like Trello to make
sure responsibilities are clear.

6. Inconsistent Processes
Having consistent templates, tools, and procedures make projects easier
to manage and run more efficiently. While each project may change in
size, scope, and team members, the process is often the same, or very
similar.
Diagram the work flow using a flowchart. Create it from the perspective
of the job, not the individual doing the work. That way, new team
members or outsourced contractors can quickly understand their role
and how it fits into the overall project structure.
7. Poor Communication
Project managers need to keep lines of communication open with team
members at all times. This needs to be a two-way street. Set this up as
part of the project process, so that there is regular communication.
Knowing about any possible delays or issues early can help you avoid
more serious problems down the road.

8. Unrealistic Deadlines
Sometimes, a short deadline for a high-profile client with an important
project can get a team focused and energized. But successful project
managers know that setting unrealistic deadlines on an ongoing basis is
a recipe for disaster. It will kill morale and lead to late deliveries, making
for unhappy customers.

9. Risk Mismanagement
Sometimes a project is planned out in detail, everyone is on board, and
things are running smoothly. Then an unforeseen occurrence happens
and the project skids off the rails. Why? Failure to manage for risks. A
good project manager must not only plan but also prepare for
contingencies. Constantly ask "what if?" questions - both of yourself and
of your team members.

10. Stakeholder Apathy

Often, this is a byproduct of projects that don't mesh with the
organization's strategic plan. Those that do are far more likely to receive
management's support for resource and budget requests.
It's also critical for the project manager to communicate clearly and
consistently with all stakeholders—team members, vendors, contractors,
management, and the client—throughout the life of the project.
Encourage feedback, as well. Keeping all parties engaged in the
process will lead to less stress and a more positive project experience.