We often encounter tricky problems in our projects. And what can make them difficult is that the issues involved are not simply black and white; good or bad. Sometimes they are a little murky: shades of gray.
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Problems in the Gray Areas of Projects
Sometimes the problems you face are a little murky: shades of gray.
The Problems get Harder Still
Like when you don’t have all the facts. Or maybe emotions are running high among your stakeholders. Perhaps your team can’t agree on the right solution.
This is what Joseph Badaracco, calls ‘Managing in the Gray’
His book ‘Managing in the Gray’ looks to many strands of philosophy for help. And it distills that wisdom into five questions you can ask.Â
He also gives a very useful piece of advice, to which I shall add one word (bracketed):
‘When you face a gray area problem, you should work through it as a [project] manager and resolve it as a human being.’
Badaracco’s Five Questions
Here are the five questions the author recommends you ask:
- What are the net, net consequences?
This question takes a utilitarian point of view. It compels you to look forward to all the outcomes of your possible choice. - What are my core obligations?
This one is about duty and accountability. It asks us to respect good governance. - What will work in the world as it is?
Here, we need to be pragmatic. It’s as much about realpolitik as it is about practicality. - Who are we?
We also need to consider our values and ethical choices. - What can I live with?
I think of this as a negotiator’s bottom line. But it also recognizes the impact of your conscience. Is it a decision you’ll regret?
Recommended Videos to Help with Questions and Problems
Carefully curated video recommendations for you:
- Two Approaches to Solving Project Problems | Video
- Could You Survive on Mars? Problem-Solving | Video
- Project Definition: Three Big Questions about Your Project | Video
- Four Questions to Ask Today
- The ‘Silly Question’ | Bite Sized Project Management Thought from Whitehead
- Handling Contradictions – How Well do you Cope with Uncertainty? | Video
- What is the Gemba …and Going to the Gemba? | Video
- How to do a Gemba Walk
Recommended Articles to Help with Questions and Problems
What Kit does a Project Manager Need?
I asked Project Managers in a couple of forums what material things you need to have, to do your job as a Project Manager. They responded magnificently. I compiled their answers into a Kit list. I added my own.
Check out the Kit a Project Manager needs
Note that the links are affiliated.
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