Embracing Risk and Overcoming Challenges: A Project (Control) Manager’s Journey
Dear BIVILLEPM Community,
In project management, calculated risks are often essential for driving innovation and meeting expectations. Throughout my career, I’ve actively sought opportunities to expand my skillset by taking on new challenges. This pursuit has led to significant successes, but also valuable learning experiences from setbacks.
Case Study: Unit Rate Contract Cost Management Model
One such instance involved developing a Cost Management Model for a Unit Rate Contract. This project pushed my boundaries as it was a new area for me. While collaborating with a colleague, I encountered initial skepticism about the model’s feasibility. Determined to succeed, I dove into research, dedicating myself to finding a solution. However, I soon realized the importance of effective internal collaboration. Data access and communication with the Internal Control Team proved crucial for the model’s development, I failed despite knowing exactly what to do, and I didn’t get the support I needed.
Lessons Learned and Applying Them: Reflecting on this experience, I identified three key takeaways:
1. The Power of Collaboration: Building strong relationships with stakeholders across departments is essential for project success. Proactive communication and early engagement with teams can prevent roadblocks and ensure everyone is aligned.
2. The Value of Delegation: Recognizing limitations and fostering team member strengths lead to optimal results. In this case, focusing on my core competency of cost control while trusting the planner (or vice versa) with their expertise would have yielded a better outcome. The Planner with cost control experience I had was not supporting my method for EVM as he claimed that this was not possible as this is a unit rate contract even when I showed him the publication and I had to go it alone. Though I credit him for the Project Cashflow Report Template I currently possess and modifying, but I simply had no further support from him.
3. Complexities of Matrix Management: It’s not ideal for the Managing Director/CEO to ask me to prioritize Cost Control, and simultaneously receive orders from another manager, the COO/Project Director, to start doing Project Planning for a new scope immediately. Instead of getting a new Planner or cost control to assist, I was left with conflicting requests and I didn’t manage it properly. Managing conflicting interests from two bosses is not easy. Focus on alignment among the bosses on the priority before executing.
Moving Forward:
I continue to embrace calculated risks, viewing them as stepping stones for professional growth. Every challenge presents an opportunity to refine my skills and approach to project management.
Image By #GeorgeNWOGU
What are your experiences with taking risks in project management? I’d love to hear your thoughts and insights in the comments below!
#ProjectManagement #RiskManagement #LearningFromExperience #Collaboration #ContinuousImprovement #GeorgeNWOGU #BIZVILLEPM 🌐🚀
Warm regards,
Engr. George (Chìsom) ÑWÒGU (MBA, PMP®️)
Motto: Humanity First, then Smart and Green. 🚀
My name is George Nwogu, a Senior Project & Planning Manager, COO and Global Trainer from Nigeria. I’m the Founder of Bizville Project Management Limited
Services from Bizville Project Management are:
- EPC, HSE, PMT & MGT Manpower Development and Training
- Strategic PMO Solutions
- Project Handling and Contract
- Property Sales and Construction Supplies (Including Labour Manpower Supply)
Follow us on Social Media:
