The Ailments behind Project Failure (#2 in the series Decoding the DNA of Failed Technology Projects)
By Robert Goatham
Ineffective decision making, dysfunctional decision making and the problems that inhibit effective communications are the common problems that cause projects to fail. Much as the medical field has isolated different forms of illness from their associated symptoms, common patterns of project failure can also be identified. Those patterns represent the illnesses that afflict technology projects. Project Managers and teams who understand those patterns and who have the skills needed to identify their associated symptoms are far more likely to succeed than those that don’t.
The following list illustrates a few examples of common project illnesses:
- Top led failures
- Focal imbalance failures
- Disconnect failures
- Bottom fed failures
Note: Each of the above will be discussed in detail in a separate article.
Robert Goatham is the principal of Calleam Consulting. Robert founded Calleam in response to the on-going challenges organizations face in developing the leadership skills necessary to successfully deliver today’s complex technology projects. Specializing in the study of failed projects, Robert translates hindsight from yesterday’s projects into the foresight needed to ensure tomorrow’s success. Robert has more than 20 years experience in the technology sector playing roles that include developer, technical lead, architect, quality manager, coach and senior project manager. As a public speaker, writer and trainer Robert provides audiences with insights that go beyond the theory of a text book and speak directly to the challenges people face in today’s workplace. Robert is passionate about helping organizations and individuals develop their skills. Visit www.calleam.com for more information.
dude – you need to speak English – your descriptions of why projects fail is almost useless as you fail to speak in terms that many who are involved in projects will understand – which is one reasons projects fail – poor communication
Mike, the article uses some complex, medical terms as it tries to decode the “DNA of project failure”, hence the uncommon Project Management terms. The article, in itself, is brilliant, and hopefully you will notice this in the rest of the series.