Think of rescuing a troubled project like conducting an orchestra. You, as the Program Recovery Manager, are the conductor. You’ve got two key sections to manage: the strings (your client) and the brass (your project team). To create harmonious music, you need to master both client relationship management and project management.

Client Relationship Management: The Strings Section

The client is your most important audience. They’re the ones who ultimately decide whether the project is a success or failure. Think of them as the strings section – they provide the melody, the emotional core of the project.

Your first priority is to gain their trust and confidence. This means actively listening to their concerns, acknowledging their frustrations, and demonstrating a genuine commitment to understanding their needs.

Why is this so crucial? Because a happy client gives you “breathing room.” They’re more likely to be patient, flexible, and supportive as you work to turn the project around. This breathing room allows you to make necessary changes without constant pressure and scrutiny.

Project Management: The Brass Section

Now, let’s turn our attention to the brass section – your project team. They’re the ones who will execute the recovery plan, providing the power and energy needed to get the project back on track.

Your role here is to provide clear direction and focus. This means setting clear goals, defining roles and responsibilities, and establishing effective communication channels.

Remember the “expectation gap” we talked about earlier? This is where you work to close it. Ensure the team understands the client’s needs, the project’s objectives, and the specific actions required to achieve them.

Think of it like this: you’re leading a hiking expedition through challenging terrain. You need to keep your team motivated, focused, and moving in the right direction, even when the path is steep and the weather is rough.

The Symphony of Success

Ultimately, successful project recovery is about harmonising these two sections. It’s about creating a symphony of collaboration where the client’s vision and the team’s execution come together in perfect harmony.

By mastering both client relationship management and project management, you can transform a troubled project into a resounding success, leaving everyone feeling like they’ve played a part in a beautiful performance