In the world of project management, it’s easy to get lost in the weeds. Deadlines loom, budgets tighten, and stakeholders demand updates. But sometimes, we need to take a step back and perform a “sanity check” on our programs and portfolios. This means asking ourselves the tough questions and making sure we’re still on the right track.

Here are ten common issues that can derail programs and portfolios, and how to address them:

1. Unclear Objectives: Are your program and portfolio goals clearly defined and understood by everyone involved? If not, you’re likely to end up with misaligned projects and wasted resources. * Solution: Establish SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals and communicate them effectively.

2. Lack of Prioritization: Are you trying to do too much at once? Spreading resources too thin can lead to delays and subpar results. * Solution: Prioritize projects based on strategic alignment and potential value. Use a scoring model or other objective criteria.

3. Poor Communication: Is information flowing freely between project teams, stakeholders, and leadership? Communication breakdowns can lead to confusion, conflict, and missed opportunities. * Solution: Establish clear communication channels and protocols. Use regular meetings, reports, and collaboration tools to keep everyone informed.

4. Inadequate Risk Management: Have you identified and assessed potential risks to your program or portfolio? Ignoring risks can lead to costly surprises down the line. * Solution: Conduct regular risk assessments and develop mitigation plans. Monitor risks throughout the project lifecycle.

5. Resource Conflicts: Are your project teams competing for the same resources? This can lead to delays, frustration, and decreased productivity. * Solution: Use resource management tools to track availability and allocate resources effectively.

6. Scope Creep: Is the scope of your projects constantly expanding? This can lead to budget overruns, missed deadlines, and dissatisfied stakeholders. * Solution: Establish a clear scope baseline and use a change management process to control any modifications.

7. Lack of Stakeholder Engagement: Are your stakeholders invested in the success of your program or portfolio? If not, you may encounter resistance and lack of support. * Solution: Identify key stakeholders and develop a communication plan to keep them engaged throughout the project lifecycle.

8. Inconsistent Processes: Are your project teams using different methodologies and tools? This can lead to confusion and inefficiency. * Solution: Establish standardized processes and tools across your program or portfolio.

9. Insufficient Monitoring and Control: Are you tracking progress against your goals and taking corrective action when needed? Without proper monitoring, problems can escalate quickly. * Solution: Use project management software and regular reporting to track progress, identify variances, and take corrective action.

10. Lack of Continuous Improvement: Are you learning from your mistakes and making adjustments to improve future performance? Without a focus on continuous improvement, you’re likely to repeat the same errors. * Solution: Conduct post-project reviews and use the lessons learned to refine your processes and improve future outcomes.

By regularly performing sanity checks and addressing these common issues, you can increase the likelihood of program and portfolio success