I have turned around numerous failing software projects in my career, each of which has been unique in terms of what was at stake, the technologies used, the type of product being developed, and of course the interpersonal dynamics of everyone connected to the project. However, the causal issues that drive these projects off track are often the same. This article will focus at a high level on ten (10) of the most common reasons I have found that projects fail. In subsequent articles, I will delve deeper into each reason to offer more detailed information on both the problem and possible solutions.
1. CYA Culture
Finger-pointing and excuses are the norm. Instead of focusing on the goals of the project and working together to solve problems creatively, each member of the team spends precious time arguing and placing blame with one another for past issues.
2. Lack of Visibility into the Project
The senior management team or customer does not have a clear understanding of the state of the project. Promises that cannot be kept are made based on poor information and problems are only brought to attention after they have reached a critical level.
3. Unrealistic Expectations
The customer or management team demands unrealistic results from the project team, primarily because they do not fully understand the details and dependencies of the project. Instead of communicating this information clearly, team members resign themselves to the situation and hope everything will magically work out. It never does.
4. Poor Project Planning
Up front planning is done in haste or not at all. Numerous tasks and project dependencies are unaccounted for, resulting in grossly inaccurate schedules and budgets. The term “two weeks” becomes a joke in the office. “When will this be complete?” “In two weeks.” Six months later it is still estimated to be complete in two weeks.
5. Ineffective Project Leader
The project is operating without a skilled and dedicated project leader. Team members are working according to different priorities, communication is inadequate, tasks fall through the cracks, problems and conflicts go unresolved.
6. What Big Picture?
Team members do not clearly understand the goals of the project or precisely how their work contributes to those goals. As a result they make poor decisions regarding the priority and urgency of their day-to-day tasks.
7. Crisis-Driven
Instead of looking ahead and anticipating problems while there is still time to adjust and maneuver, people work with blinders on until a problem stops them. Productivity comes to a halt while this “fire” is put out. Meanwhile, another fire is brewing unnoticed and pretty soon the fires are out of control.
8. Making Assumptions
Rather than re-confirming plans and double-checking progress toward upcoming deliverables, assumptions are made that everyone is on the same page and doing exactly what they are supposed to. This is never the case.
9. Employing Many, Utilizing Few
A few key individuals are depended upon heavily to produce the bulk of the work, while others are less trusted and fill in on the “easy” tasks. The over-utilized individuals become overwhelmed, the under-utilized individuals become lackadaisical, and all are unhappy with their jobs. No one is productive.
10. Inadequate Communication
The volume and quality of communication is under-whelming. Communication does not flow freely in any direction and the minor communication that does take place is unclear. No one is aware of what anyone else is doing and many are inadvertently working against each other instead of toward a common vision.
Honorable Mention: Poor Business Strategies
Poor business strategies, such as placing all bets on a single customer or defining product requirements inadequate for the market, set up even the best run project for failure from the outset.
Look for future articles covering each of these issues in detail. If you need assistance from an experienced Software Turnaround Expert, please reference information on our turnaround service at https://www.soverex.com/consulting.shtml or contact us at https://www.soverex.com/about-contact.shtml.