Who Will You Blame When Your Project Goes Wrong?

When things go wrong, whose fault is it? Who is to blame?

Projects go wrong all the time. And one mindset is to look for blame. But it’s rarely helpful.

The question of blame and fault is a common one for Project Managers, so this short video is ESSENTIAL viewing!

This video is safe for viewing in the workplace. This is learning, so sit back and enjoy.

Blame comes from Your Mental Excuses

Like all project managers approaching a big milestone, in your darkest moments, do you mentally prepare your excuses?

Just in case it all goes wrong.

You are probably familiar with most of them: 

‘It’s not my fault’ 

is always the starting point.

It’s not my Fault

So, whose fault is it?

That’s easy; I bet you already have them lined up:

• It’s the technology
• It’s the stakeholders
• Or it’s my team

Or maybe it is you. But let’s face it: it’s not your fault.

• You didn’t have enough time
• You’re too old
• You’ve never done anything like this before

Or perhaps it’s just bad luck.

No, No, No

Face it, Project Manager…

There are a lot of things that are genuinely outside of your control, but you know and I know that all of these excuses are bogus. They all represent things you can bring into your control, and that’s your job.

So, before you start planning your excuses, prioritise planning your project.

And if things do go wrong…

Stop looking for blame and start looking for solutions first…
and then lessons.

As a Project Manager, you need to get used to setbacks.  

What matters is how you handle your setbacks and how you bounce back.

More on Failure and Blame

Project Failure is one of the favorite topics for project managers. From pub conversations to the outrageously-priced Standish Report, we love to discuss and read about failed projects.

So, stop blaming and start learning

I have made a detailed study of the causes of Project Failure. And I have published my work for you in a short video course (16 videos / 100 minutes), called How to Avoid Project Failure. 

Or, get a bargain with our Project Success Bundle that combines How to Avoid Project Failure with our Project Definition Kit. 

In How to Avoid Project Failure, I identify:

1. 10 Points of Project Failure 
   …which will alert you to where you need to focus your attention. So you can be seen as a strategically-minded Project Manager.
2. 61 Primary Reasons for Project Failure 
   …that will alert you to specific actions you can set up and take. So you can take preventative actions to stay in control of your project.
3. Over 100 Sources of Project Risk 
   …that will help you jump-start your risk identification process and reduce workload. So you can start your project efficiently and effectively with a solid risk register.