Rudyard Kipling, in his poem “The Young British Soldier,” offers a potent piece of advice: “If your officer’s dead and the sergeants look white, Remember it’s ruin to run from a fight; So take open order, lie down and sit tight, An’ wait for supports like a soldier.” While penned for the battlefield, this counsel holds surprising relevance for the realm of project recovery.
At first glance, the notion of “holding the line” might seem counterintuitive to the dynamic nature of project management. Shouldn’t we be charging forward, seizing every opportunity, and pushing for rapid progress? However, in the context of a troubled project, a strategic retreat can be the wisest course of action.
Knowing When to “Lie Down and Sit Tight”
Imagine a project in crisis: deadlines are looming, budgets are strained, and morale is plummeting. The natural instinct might be to scramble for immediate solutions, throwing resources at the problem and pushing the team harder. However, this frantic approach can often exacerbate the situation, leading to further complications and escalating costs.
This is where Kipling’s wisdom comes into play. Just as a soldier facing overwhelming odds must sometimes take a defensive position, a Program Recovery Manager must recognise when to “lie down and sit tight.” This means resisting the urge to make hasty decisions, taking a step back to assess the situation, and gathering the necessary support before launching a full-scale counteroffensive.
Taking Open Order: The Value of Assessment
Kipling’s instruction to “take open order” speaks to the importance of creating space and gaining perspective. In a project recovery scenario, this translates to conducting a thorough assessment of the situation. This involves:
- Understanding the Terrain: Gaining a deep understanding of the project’s history, its current state, and the factors that contributed to its downfall.
- Identifying the Enemy: Pinpointing the root causes of the project’s troubles, whether they be technical challenges, communication breakdowns, or misaligned expectations.
- Assessing Resources: Evaluating the available resources, including the skills and expertise of the team, the budget, and the time remaining to achieve the project objectives.
Waiting for Supports: The Power of Collaboration
The final part of Kipling’s advice, “wait for supports like a soldier,” highlights the importance of collaboration and seeking assistance. In project recovery, this can involve:
- Engaging Stakeholders: Communicating openly and honestly with the client, the project team, and other key stakeholders to ensure alignment and gain buy-in for the recovery plan.
- Seeking Expert Advice: Bringing in external consultants or specialists to provide objective assessments and fresh perspectives.
- Building a Cohesive Team: Fostering a culture of collaboration and shared responsibility within the project team, empowering individuals to contribute their skills and expertise to the recovery effort.
The Courage to Retreat
In the heat of battle, whether on a literal battlefield or in the trenches of a troubled project, it takes courage to retreat. It requires acknowledging the challenges, resisting the urge to panic, and making strategic decisions that prioritize long-term success over short-term gains.
By embracing the principles of strategic retreat – assessment, collaboration, and patience – Program Recovery Managers can effectively navigate the complexities of project recovery, turning the tide of battle and leading their teams to victory.Sources and related content