Okay, so you’ve finished assessing your troubled project. You’ve identified the burning platform, the scope creep, the communication breakdowns – all those things that have set the project on fire. Now, it’s time to create a recovery plan, a roadmap to guide you out of the chaos.

But here’s the thing: sometimes, the problem isn’t just about fixing technical glitches or catching up on missed deadlines. Sometimes, the real issue is that the client’s expectations are out of whack.

Imagine this: your team has built a fantastic new app for a client. It’s technically sound, it meets all the agreed-upon specifications, and it’s even under budget. But the client throws a curveball. They say it doesn’t “feel right” or “look right.” They have this vague idea in their head of what they want, but they never actually articulated it.

This is where your recovery plan needs to go beyond just the technical stuff. It needs to address the elephant in the room: the client’s undefined, and often unrealistic, expectations.

Think of it like this: you’re building a house, and the client suddenly decides they want a swimming pool in the middle of the living room. You can explain all you want about why that’s not feasible, but ultimately, you need to find a way to manage their expectations and bring them back down to earth.

Your recovery plan needs to tackle this challenge with the same rigour and attention to detail as any technical fix. It might involve:

• Clear communication: Explain to the client, in plain language, what’s possible and what’s not. Show them how the current solution meets their needs, even if it’s not exactly what they envisioned.
• Compromise and negotiation: Explore alternative solutions that might satisfy the client’s desires while still being realistic and achievable.
• Documentation: If those service level agreements or firm requirements were never written down, now’s the time to do it. This will protect both you and the client and prevent future misunderstandings.

Remember, managing expectations is just as important as fixing technical issues. It’s about building trust with the client, ensuring they feel heard and understood, and guiding them towards a solution that works for everyone. By tackling this challenge head-on, you can turn a potentially disastrous situation into a successful project recovery.