Okay, imagine you’re a doctor called in to consult on a critical patient. You’ve studied the patient’s history, reviewed their test results, and have a good grasp of the symptoms. But the real diagnosis begins when you meet the patient face-to-face.

Similarly, in a Program Recovery situation, your pre-engagement research gives you a head start, but the real assessment begins when you arrive on-site. Think of it like this: you’re entering a new ecosystem, a complex web of relationships, emotions, and unspoken dynamics. Your job is to understand this ecosystem, to diagnose the root causes of the project’s ailments, and to develop a treatment plan.

The First Encounter: Building Trust and Rapport

Your first order of business is to meet with the client’s executive sponsor. This isn’t just a courtesy call; it’s a crucial opportunity to set the tone for the entire recovery process.

Think of it like a first date. You want to make a good impression, build rapport, and establish a foundation of trust. This means actively listening to their concerns, acknowledging their frustrations, and demonstrating a genuine commitment to understanding their perspective.

This initial meeting is also a chance to begin the “healing process.” Remember, a troubled project often leaves a trail of damaged relationships and bruised egos. Your role is to be a calming influence, to reassure the client that you’re there to help, and to begin rebuilding their confidence in the project’s success.

The Investigation: Gathering Information and Insights

Once you’ve established a connection with the client, it’s time to delve deeper into the project’s ecosystem. This is where your pre-arranged interviews come in.

Think of yourself as a detective conducting interviews with witnesses and suspects. Your goal is to gather information, uncover hidden truths, and piece together the puzzle of what went wrong.

These interviews should be conducted with a spirit of empathy and objectivity. Avoid the temptation to jump to conclusions or assign blame. Instead, focus on understanding each person’s perspective, their challenges, and their insights.

Following the Standards: A Framework for Assessment

Just as a doctor follows established medical protocols, you should adhere to the national quality assurance (QA) standards for project reviews. These standards provide a framework for conducting thorough and objective assessments, ensuring you cover all the essential areas and gather the necessary evidence.

Think of these standards as your diagnostic toolkit, providing you with the guidelines and best practices for conducting effective project reviews. They help you structure your interviews, gather relevant data, and analyse the project’s health from various angles.

By following this approach, you’ll not only gain a deep understanding of the project’s challenges but also build trust with the client and the team. You’ll be seen as a competent and reliable leader, someone who can guide the project back to health.