Okay, imagine this: you’re a seasoned Program Recovery Manager, parachuting into a troubled project. You’re ready to roll up your sleeves, rally the troops, and steer the project back on course. But there’s a catch: you can’t get into the building because your security pass hasn’t been issued. You have no desk, no phone, no access to the network. Suddenly, you’re not the project hero; you’re just that person awkwardly loitering in the lobby.

It sounds ridiculous, right? But it happens more often than you think. We often get so caught up in the high-level strategy of project recovery that we overlook the mundane but crucial administrative details.

Think of it like this: you’re a surgeon about to perform a complex operation. You’ve got the skills, the knowledge, and the experience. But what if you walk into the operating room and there’s no scalpel, no sutures, no anaesthetic? Suddenly, your expertise becomes irrelevant.

Similarly, in a Program Recovery situation, administrative preparedness is just as important as technical expertise. It’s about setting the stage for success, ensuring you have the tools and resources you need to hit the ground running.

Here’s why admin matters:

• Time is of the essence: In a project crisis, every minute counts. Wasting time on administrative tasks like setting up your workspace or chasing down access credentials is like throwing money down the drain. You need to be focused on the project, not on sorting out logistical issues.
• First impressions matter: Arriving unprepared sends a message of disorganisation and incompetence. It undermines your credibility and makes it harder to gain the team’s trust and confidence.
• Efficiency is key: Having the right tools and resources at your fingertips allows you to work efficiently and effectively. It minimizes distractions and allows you to focus on the critical tasks at hand.

So, what can you do to ensure administrative readiness?

• Pre-engagement checklist: Before you even set foot on-site, create a checklist of all the administrative details you need to take care of. This might include:
  • Security access
  • Workspace setup
  • IT access and equipment
  • Relevant project documentation
  • Contact information for key stakeholders
• Delegate and collaborate: Don’t try to do everything yourself. Work with the existing team to ensure everything is in place before you arrive.
• Prioritize the essentials: Focus on the must-haves, the things that will prevent you from being productive.

By taking care of the administrative groundwork, you’re not just saving time and avoiding frustration; you’re setting yourself up for success. You’re ensuring that you can focus on what you do best: rescuing the project and leading the team to victory.