Attention Project Managers: Dealing with UNCERTAINTY? Or PROJECT RISKS?

As a Project Manager, don’t you have to deal with uncertainty all the time? In fact, you cannot be sure of anything in a project? It is always of full of uncertainties, a major part of project management is managing uncertainties or risks, so there is no way you can get rid of project risks.

You can be uncertain about so many things, about people, about project scope, budget, quality and probably, the project itself can be closed by the client, may be because it is no more needed, or business scenario might have changed, or it is not profitable anymore? What skills are required to be comfortable with uncertainties? What will make you manage project uncertainties better?

Uncertainty or unpredictability could be very unsettling and giving anxious moments and sleepless nights. Projects could throw a variety of uncertainties, e.g. uncertainty about your team productivity and even team availability, uncertainty of the scope of the project, uncertainty of the availability of funds, uncertainty of the technology stability or even uncertainty of even the sponsors sticking to the project commitment till the project end. Now question is how to stay stable and positive in the midst of so many uncertainties?

First, realize that uncertainty is a normal business phenomena and it throws certain kinds of risks. It may or may not turn in your favor. You would strive to convert all uncertainty in your favor by utilizing your knowledge, skills, experience and, strong positive belief. Make sure all these are available to the best of your capability and belief.

Second, it is important to understand that handling uncertainty could be a great opportunity to show your abilities and potential, provided you are aware and working silently towards it. All you need to do is just take calculated risks or affordable risks. What it means is that if the project does not go in your favor, the outcome of loss should be manageable. We must take affordable risks to advance your career and convert that opportunity in our favor with energy, excitement and strong positive belief.

In today’s context, uncertainty during the pandemic times – it is the no 1 question in everyone’s mind today. Agreed that we all want certainty – in existence, in our comforts, in people around us, in fact in everything..

Given also the fact that Covid - 19 is probably most concerning epidemic of recent times, but do we realize there are many inherently benefits from uncertainty.

Ø Didn’t our growth trigger generally from uncertain situations like war, depression or epidemic?

Ø Didn’t our minds search for newer ways of doing things and newer ways of existing?

Ø We might end up redefining our lives in many ways, who knows..

Ø Most major researches have happened during uncertain times like war..

On one hand we want to grow, but do not want to change, how is that possible, because growth needs change. Some questions for thoughts..

Your thoughts and observations?

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