Category: Uncategorized

So where is the right place to begin a project?

For me it’s to be clear on the reason for the project, what the end result should look like! Most people would first consider the budget but I think the wishlist is more important. When you start a journey it’s important to know where you want to end up. How you get there can be worked out – the “road map” created.

When you create the road map the end should not be be changed or compromised. How you get there can be changed and some compromises may be required. The next step is to develop a list of the processes, not with any specific order in mind, just a list of processes and procedures.

Next time I’ll discuss the list.

Here’s an example of how an unrealistic expectation that wasn’t correctly handled can become a serious problem for both contractor and client.

The client was moving into new premises and had a small window of opportunity to prepare the new offices prior to moving in. The contractor informed the client that there was no way that his deadline could be be met. The contractor left with those famous last words, “I’ll see what I can do…” So the expectation remained!

Unfortunately, as with all such tight schedules, although the deadline remained unchanged, delays were aplenty. As the expected installation date approached it was plainly obvious that the units were not going to be ready. It didn’t help that the contractor’s supplier was not being honest with him either. Still no one was communicating with the client. On the installation date the units were no where to be seen and the supplier was unreachable. The contractor was not answering his phone calls from the client. All reasonableness and communication had come to an end!

From this point on the contractor was on the back foot. He would be lucky to receive payment on time, if at all.

Mistake number one, the contractor left the client with an unrealistic expectation. There was little or no communication between the contractor and the supplier or with his client. The first time a phone call is ignored things go wrong, badly wrong. Excuses will become the order of the day from the supplier and the contractor. With the missed installation date the relationship between the contractor and the client is on the decline and can only get worse.

At this point the contractor needs to take control. Pressure must be put on the supplier for a committed delivery date. Communication with the client must become a priority but the contractor must be firm with the client. The supplier must be consistently followed up to ensure that the committed delivery date is kept. As long as the contractor is honest and maintains good communication lines, the situation can be salvaged.