Imagine you’re a paramedic responding to an emergency. You arrive on the scene, and every second counts. Would you fumble through your entire medical kit, trying to figure out what equipment you need? Of course not! You’d assess the situation and grab the necessary tools immediately.

Project recovery is no different. When you step into a troubled project, you need to be prepared and act decisively. That’s where a tailored recovery plan comes in.

Think of a generic project recovery plan as a comprehensive toolbox. It contains all the potential solutions and strategies you might need. But just like a paramedic doesn’t use every tool in their kit for every patient, you shouldn’t try to apply every element of a generic plan to every project.

That’s why it’s crucial to customise your approach. Before you even set foot on-site, analyse the information you’ve gathered about the project. Identify the specific challenges and eliminate any irrelevant sections from your generic plan.

For example, if the project is struggling with scope creep but there are no performance issues, you can safely remove the “performance optimisation” section from your plan. This streamlined approach demonstrates focus and efficiency.

Why is this so important?

• It builds client confidence: Walking in with a tailored plan shows the client that you’ve done your homework and you’re not wasting their time with irrelevant solutions. It demonstrates that you understand their unique challenges and you’re ready to address them head-on.
• It accelerates progress: By focusing on the essential tasks, you avoid getting bogged down in unnecessary activities. This allows you to hit the ground running and start making tangible progress from day one.
• It improves efficiency: A tailored plan helps you allocate resources effectively and avoid wasting time and effort on irrelevant tasks. This maximises your impact and increases the chances of a successful recovery.

Remember, every project is unique. A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works. By tailoring your recovery plan to the specific needs of the project, you demonstrate preparedness, focus, and a commitment to achieving results. This not only impresses the client but also sets the stage for a more efficient and effective recovery process.