OK, let's stop this project

I have recently read an article about stopping a project. Although it may be common sense, you should always consider that your project might not be successful (especially at its early beginning, when the risks are higher and uncertainaties are plenty of).

And here you are, in the middle of your project, and you start thinking that you should close it. Where did you got this idea? Maybe...

your resources have been moved to more "glamorous" projects
maybe your sponsor has changed opinion, or was fired, or just lost his decision power
maybe the product of the project is no longer required by the customer (be it an internal customer, or a market sector)
maybe you can no longer control the technology, as it was too new when you started, and it now proves to be cumbersome
maybe because you are losing money from this project, instead of making
the focus of the company has changed, and this project does no longer fit into the strategy
project performance is too low
other external conditions may have changed to lead to project termination.

All these are potential reasons, and if you notice some of these symptoms in your project, then you should really consider cancelling it before losing too much on it.

In one of the next postings, I will try to talk also on how to do this so that nobody hurts!!

Comments

[Management lessons] When the Best Plans Fail: Lessons from a troubled launch

A few months ago, my team was gearing up to launch a new automation tool for case assignment - a project that is key for the future, and also were we spent so much energy into. We spent weeks identifying scenarios, testing in a dev environment, and reflecting on potential issues. We wrote crystal-clear documentation and worked with a rockstar team of developers, testers, and communicators. We thought we had every base covered. But when launch day arrived, chaos ensued. The tool hit snags that never showed up in testing - edge cases we hadn’t anticipated. Worse, some team members seemed blindsided by the changes, despite our efforts to keep everyone in the loop. It was a classic “complex failure,” as Amy C. Edmondson describes in her book Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well . Complex failures, Edmondson explains, aren’t the result of one person’s mistake or a single oversight. They happen in intricate systems where multiple factors - technology, human behavior, and unexpe...

[VUCA world] For Leaders: Empowering Teams Through Chaos

In a VUCA world—Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous—leadership isn’t just about steering the ship; it’s about inspiring your crew to navigate the storm together. Rapid technological shifts, economic unpredictability, and evolving workplace expectations challenge even the most seasoned leaders. Yet, these challenges also present opportunities to innovate, connect, and grow. How can you empower your teams to thrive in this dynamic landscape? Drawing from my experience guiding people through turbulent times, I’ve outlined four strategies that blend clarity , agility , simplification , and trust with over-communication, innovative solutions, and emotional intelligence . These are the keys to transforming VUCA’s chaos into a catalyst for success. 1. Over-Communicate for Clarity in Volatility Volatility creates unease, but clear, consistent communication anchors teams . Leaders must over-communicate—repeating key messages, sharing context, and aligning actions with purpose. This isn...

[Personal growth] 3 Daily Habits for Anyone Seeking Success and Growth

To achieve lasting success and personal growth, intentionality is key - aligning your daily actions with your long-term goals. As John C. Maxwell said, “You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily.” Whether you’re aiming to advance in your career, build stronger relationships, or pursue personal passions, these three daily habits will help you grow, adapt, and thrive. 1. Practice Daily Reflection (10 Minutes to Recalibrate) The most successful people don’t just go through the motions—they learn from each day. A daily reflection habit helps you process experiences, celebrate progress, and identify areas to improve. This intentional pause keeps you grounded and focused on your bigger goals. How to Do It: Take 10 Minutes: At day’s end, find a quiet moment to reflect. Ask Key Questions: What did I accomplish today? What challenged me? Did my actions move me closer to my goals? Write Down Insights: Note one key takeaway or action for to...

Project Management, initiative, leadership

Search This Blog