Establishing Credibility in Project Management

Introduction

Every organisation—regardless of size, industry, or maturity—runs projects. These projects may involve launching new initiatives, improving processes, implementing tools, restructuring workflows, delivering services, or transforming ways of working.

This first blog in the Getting Started and Building Trust series focuses on establishing credibility. We will address one of the most universal challenges: why organisations struggle with projects and what can be done differently to ensure success.

Why Organisations Struggle With Projects

Although every project is unique, the root causes of failure or difficulty tend to be surprisingly consistent across government, private sector, corporate, and not-for-profit environments.

Unclear Scope and Vague Objectives

Projects often begin with broad intentions and ambiguous goals. Without clearly defined requirements and outcomes, several issues arise:

• Stakeholders form different interpretations.

• Timelines and cost estimates become unreliable.

• Rework occurs frequently.

• Scope continuously shifts.

  
  

Insufficient Time and Resources

Staff across organisations often juggle project work alongside business-as-usual responsibilities. Without dedicated time or capacity, projects face several challenges:

• Projects slip.

• Decisions stall.

• Deliverables slow.

• Priorities compete.

  
  

Lack of Standardised Processes and Documentation

Many organisations lack consistent templates, governance frameworks, or documentation practices. Templates are often outdated, underused, inconsistent, or recreated repeatedly. This inconsistency can lead to confusion and inefficiencies.

Limited Access to the Right Project Skills

Organisations commonly rely on internal staff to “figure it out as they go.” While teams may excel operationally, project delivery requires specific expertise. Without this, projects may struggle to meet their objectives.

Underestimating the Human Side of Change

Effective change is not just about communication. It requires impact assessment, stakeholder engagement, training, leadership support, and transition planning. Neglecting these aspects can derail even the best-laid plans.

Treating Projects as Technical Tasks, Not Organisational Shifts

Projects influence how teams work, make decisions, operate processes, and shape culture. Viewing them solely as technical tasks ignores their broader implications.

What Organisations Should Do Instead

To overcome these challenges, organisations should consider the following strategies:

1. Begin With Strong Business Analysis

   Understanding the business context is crucial. A thorough analysis helps define clear objectives and align project goals with organisational strategy.

   
   

2. Implement Right-Sized Project Structure

   Tailoring the project structure to fit the size and complexity of the initiative can improve efficiency. Avoid overly complex frameworks for simple projects.

   
   

3. Adopt Standard Templates

   Using standard templates can streamline processes. This consistency reduces confusion and ensures that all team members are on the same page.

   
   

4. Bring in Skilled Project Support When Needed

   Don’t hesitate to seek external expertise. Skilled project managers can provide valuable insights and guidance, ensuring that projects stay on track.

   
   

5. Prioritise Change Management

   Change management should be an integral part of every project. Engaging stakeholders and providing necessary training can facilitate smoother transitions.

   
   

6. Build Continuous Improvement Into Every Project

   Encourage a culture of learning and adaptation. Regularly review project outcomes and processes to identify areas for improvement.

   
   

The Importance of Project Management Expertise

In today's fast-paced environment, organisations need to ensure that their projects are managed effectively. This requires not only a clear understanding of project goals but also the ability to navigate complex challenges. By focusing on project management expertise, organisations can enhance their chances of success.

Final Thoughts

Project challenges are universal. Success comes from clear purpose, strong structure, skilled expertise, effective change management, and continuous improvement. By addressing these areas, organisations can build credibility and achieve their strategic goals.

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