Okay, imagine you’re called in to rescue a project that’s gone off the rails. You might be tempted to dive straight into the technical weeds, dissecting code, scrutinising schedules, and hunting for bugs. But hold on! Before you get lost in the technical maze, there’s a crucial layer you need to uncover: the political landscape of the project.

Think of it like this: you’re an archaeologist excavating a hidden city. The technical issues are the crumbling walls and broken artefacts, visible on the surface. But beneath that lies a complex network of relationships, power dynamics, and unspoken expectations. To truly understand the city, you need to dig deeper and uncover these hidden layers.

That’s where these “political” questions come in. They’re your tools for excavating the project’s hidden history, uncovering the root causes of its struggles, and understanding the human dynamics at play.

Let’s break down these questions and why they’re so crucial:

• What’s the real story? Every project has a story, a narrative that goes beyond the official reports and status updates. Uncovering this story, with all its twists and turns, helps you understand how the project got to its current state.
• Where did we fall short? Be honest about where your team messed up. Acknowledging your shortcomings builds trust and credibility with the client.
• Who feels injured? Projects in crisis often leave a trail of bruised egos and hurt feelings. Identifying who feels wronged, both on the client and your team, helps you address those grievances and foster a more collaborative environment.
• What are the perceptions? Perceptions can be more powerful than facts. Understanding how the client perceives the project, your team, and your company is crucial for managing expectations and rebuilding trust.
• What are the politics? Every project has its own political dynamics – alliances, rivalries, and hidden agendas. Uncovering these dynamics helps you navigate potential conflicts and build a more cohesive team.
• Does the organisation work? Is the project structured in a way that supports effective communication and collaboration? Or is it hindering progress?
• What were the expectations? This is perhaps the most crucial question. Clearly defining the client’s expectations, both in terms of deliverables and financial outcomes, is essential for aligning everyone on the path to recovery.
• Which client responsibilities were not met? Remember, it’s not always just about your team’s shortcomings. Identifying areas where the client hasn’t fulfilled their responsibilities can help rebalance the conversation and foster a more collaborative approach to problem-solving.

Document Everything!

As you gather answers to these questions, document them meticulously, especially the client’s expectations. This documentation serves as your guide, your roadmap for navigating the political landscape and steering the project towards a successful recovery.

By understanding the hidden dynamics, the unspoken expectations, and the human emotions at play, you can transform a politically charged situation into a collaborative effort, where everyone is working together to achieve a common goal.