Insurgent Tip: Focus on Communication When Projects Encounter Issues

Experiencing a breakdown in collaboration can be incredibly frustrating, and in some cases, it can be devastating, depending on the individuals involved and the resources allocated. Several factors influence how effectively people work together and communicate, including the values and practices each participant brings, their availability, and their familiarity with the tasks at hand.

Typically, when projects go awry, it’s due to an imbalance in these factors that was overlooked—often as a result of inadequate or absent communication.

For instance, we recently facilitated a partnership between a firm and a startup aiming to develop innovative technology. The firm's output was visually stunning and of the highest quality. However, the resources required for a successful launch far exceeded what the startup could manage at that stage. Despite the exceptional quality of the work, it ultimately failed to align with the project's broader objectives. The firm excelled in their craft but lost sight of the startup's requirements, leading to an unsuccessful collaboration.

While we wish for minimal breakdowns in your projects, the key takeaway is straightforward—after a setback, conduct a review to identify where communication faltered. Where was the imbalance? What could have been done differently to avert the issue?

If there's a chance to salvage the outcome, pursue that option. But if a collaboration fails to achieve its intended goals, we must consider: how can we rectify the situation and mend relationships?

Addressing these issues will not only help you adapt but also enhance your strategic approach in future partnerships. Creating a thriving economy for all necessitates embracing radical collaboration. Many of the most groundbreaking solutions emerge when organizations invite external viewpoints and specialized knowledge to address challenges in innovative and effective ways.

In the next section, we will explore strategies for rectifying situations after they have gone awry.

Learn what essential elements a strong project communication plan should include to ensure success.