Heads Up - Stop staring at your shoelaces. Get better results from your projects Rule 3 – Look forward

Have you ever stopped to think about your initial reaction when something goes awry? Do you find yourself pointing fingers, waiting for the storm to pass, or are you already brainstorming ways to make things better?
 
In a meeting, do you focus on assigning blame or seek solutions to improve the situation? And how often do you see issues left unresolved, festering and causing unnecessary delays?
 
From a project perspective, that first knee-jerk reaction can sometimes hinder progress, even though it might seem like a positive approach to ensuring things are done right the first time. It can bog down businesses and projects, fostering a culture of finger-pointing and creating an abyss that's tough to climb out of. We've all witnessed those never-ending email battles trying to prove an interpretation right.
 
The Reality of Projects
 
In an ideal world, managing projects would be as simple as following a Gantt chart, with everything proceeding as planned. But, alas, the real world is not that predictable. Even with the most experienced teams and comprehensive risk planning, unexpected events can throw a wrench into the works. After all, projects involve people, and people are wonderfully imperfect, including you and me!
 
Understanding the Challenge
 
We all know that things won't always go according to plan, and we'd prefer that they did. When hiccups occur, they slow down progress, cost time and money, and can compromise quality. But we're dealing with human beings here, each with their unique personalities, traits, misinterpretations, lapses in concentration, differing priorities, pride, fear, knowledge gaps, well-intentioned but misguided actions, or simply forgetfulness.
 
The Solution: Embrace Forward Thinking
 
So, what's the solution? Look at the company culture, look at your response as a leader, look at yourself.
 
Do you stand still, go back and review, or forge ahead? All three options have their merits, but I've found that moving forward is often the fastest route to better results. It promotes positive solutions and a can-do attitude. It empowers people to do their best, unlocks hidden value, helps you navigate the right direction, and unearths missed opportunities that might remain hidden in the process of looking back or standing still. It's the momentum that propels us toward our goals.
 
Remember, people will be people, and projects are, ultimately, about people—created by them, for them, and executed by them for the sake of progress.
 
So, chin up, shoulders back and embrace the world of positive opportunities that come with that first instinct to look forward. It's the path to progress, growth, and success. 
 
That’s why Rule 3 – look forward is so important.
 
If you want advice or help with improving area of concern with your project management.  Reach out, CS projects is here to help, in a sustainable, manageable way.

Thanks for reading
 
Simon