Last updated on Aug 6, 2024

How do you address a senior stakeholder's skepticism about the project's timeline and potential delays?

When embarking on a new project, you might face skepticism from senior stakeholders, especially concerning the project's timeline and potential for delays. It's crucial to address these concerns proactively. Senior stakeholders typically have a vested interest in the project's success and a wealth of experience, which can lead to valid concerns about the feasibility of timelines. Your approach to mitigating their skepticism will not only impact the project's momentum but also the trust and rapport you build with these key individuals.

1 Understanding Concerns

To effectively address skepticism about project timelines, start by fully understanding the concerns of your senior stakeholders. Listen attentively and ask questions to clarify their apprehensions. They might have insights based on past experiences or information you're unaware of. By showing that you value their input and are willing to consider their perspective, you lay the groundwork for a collaborative relationship. This step is about building trust and ensuring that their skepticism is met with empathy and a willingness to engage in a constructive dialogue.

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Mickael BOBIN

Alpin Capital - Distribution de solutions d’investissements liées aux Blockchains et Cryptoactifs - B2B2C - Cabinets de Gestion de Patrimoine, Gestionnaires de Fortune Indépendants & Family Offices
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Il est important d'accueillir avec bienveillance ces doutes et d'établir un dialogue constructif. De manière certaine, mieux vaut repousser une réunion avec l'interlocuteur que de partir dans une improvisation sans argument ou élément tangible quant à la capacité des équipes à performer et suivre la feuille de route. L'avantage est que bien souvent ces craintes sont quelques part justifiées et amène une remise en question bénéfique pour tous..

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Deepa Rajan

💡Transforming Job seekers & Professionals 10X their Impact and Income | Career Coach | AI Driven Strategies to Land Dream Jobs | 🎯💰
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1. Acknowledge Their Concerns :Start by showing that you understand and respect their concerns: 2. Provide Transparency: Be clear and open about the project's status: 3. Highlight Mitigation Strategies :Discuss the steps taken to address potential risks. 4. Share Progress and Successes : Emphasize the achievements and progress made so far. 5. Seek Feedback and Suggestions: Invite the stakeholder to provide their insights and advice. 6. Commit to Regular Updates: Ensure consistent communication to keep them informed. 7. Reaffirm Commitment : Reassure them of the team's dedication to the project's success. By approaching the conversation with transparency, a clear plan, and a willingness to collaborate and solve a Problem.

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Mayko Sales Barroso

Contador, Pós graduado em Auditoria e Finanças e Direito Tributário
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Lidar com o ceticismo de uma parte interessada sobre o cronograma do projeto e possíveis atrasos requer uma abordagem cuidadosa e estratégica. Preparação e transparência, comunicação eficaz, envolvimento e colaboração, propostas de mitigação, demonstração de confiança e feedback continuo. Abordar o ceticismo com preparação, pode transformar uma situação potencialmente negativa em uma oportunidade para fortalecer a confiança e o compromisso com o sucesso do projeto.

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Luis Gabriel V.

Anti-Money Laundering | Anti-Fraud | Financial Crime | General Risk and Regulatory Compliance Management | Advisory and Training
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Para abordar el escepticismo sobre los plazos, organice reuniones individuales con las partes interesadas clave para discutir sus preocupaciones en detalle. Documente sus inquietudes y utilice esta información para ajustar el plan del proyecto si es necesario. Proporcione actualizaciones transparentes y regulares sobre el progreso del proyecto, destacando cómo se están mitigando los riesgos. Finalmente, invite a las partes interesadas a participar en la planificación y revisión de hitos, asegurando su involucramiento y confianza en el cronograma del proyecto.

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2 Transparent Communication

Transparency is key in managing senior stakeholder skepticism. Keep them informed with regular updates, including any potential risks that could lead to delays. Use clear, jargon-free language to explain the project's progress and how you're addressing any challenges. This open line of communication demonstrates that you're in control and proactive about mitigating risks. It also gives stakeholders a sense of involvement and reassurance that their concerns are being taken seriously and managed effectively.

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Luis Gabriel V.

Anti-Money Laundering | Anti-Fraud | Financial Crime | General Risk and Regulatory Compliance Management | Advisory and Training
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Para mejorar la transparencia, establezca un calendario de informes regulares y utilice un tablero de control en línea accesible para todas las partes interesadas. Involucre a los interesados en la identificación y gestión de riesgos mediante talleres colaborativos. Al presentar actualizaciones, utilice gráficos simples y resúmenes ejecutivos para facilitar la comprensión. Además, invite a los interesados a reuniones de revisión de progreso, asegurando que tengan oportunidad de hacer preguntas y ofrecer retroalimentación, lo que refuerza la confianza y el compromiso mutuo.

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3 Realistic Timelines

Setting realistic timelines is critical to managing expectations and reducing skepticism. Break down the project into phases and provide detailed milestones with achievable deadlines. If stakeholders understand the rationale behind the timeline and see that it's grounded in a solid plan, they're more likely to have confidence in the project's success. Be honest about what can be delivered and when, and avoid overpromising—this will help maintain credibility and trust with your stakeholders.

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Inga Salaseviciute

Account and Service Delivery Manager | Let's talk about Agile Transformation & Test Automation | GTM specialist | Interested in circularity | Views are my own
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- Be upfront about the realistic pace of the project given the agreed resources. - Have information ready on how the timeline could be adjusted if resources were scaled up. Clearly distinguish between timelines dependent on resourcing and those that are structural due to the way the business operates. Also, identify 'must have' process steps, so that everyone is aligned on them. - Showcase that you have considered different ideas for shrinking the timeline (e.g., what can be deprioritized, what processes can run in parallel), but clearly state whether and how these adjustments could introduce additional risks.

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Luis Gabriel V.

Anti-Money Laundering | Anti-Fraud | Financial Crime | General Risk and Regulatory Compliance Management | Advisory and Training
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Para establecer plazos realistas, realice una planificación detallada que incluya todas las tareas necesarias y sus respectivas dependencias. Involucre a los miembros del equipo en la estimación de tiempos para asegurar la precisión y obtener su compromiso. Comunique claramente los hitos y los entregables a las partes interesadas, explicando cómo cada fase contribuye al éxito del proyecto. Revise y ajuste regularmente el cronograma en función del progreso real y mantenga a las partes interesadas informadas sobre cualquier cambio, mostrando un enfoque proactivo y responsable.

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Ricky Woodman-Povey

PMO Evangelist | Framework implementation, Value-add governance & Data-informed decisions | Helping the UK's best and brightest organisations to maximise the value of their project portfolios
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When re-planning, don't let yourself be tripped up by trip by cognitive biases. Here are a few to avoid (at a very high level): Optimism bias Tendency to be overly optimistic or positive about the path to done. Tip - After drafting a re-plan, ask your biggest detractors what could go wrong... it will give you a pragmatic version 2! Planning Fallacy The tendency to underestimate costs, schedule, and risk, and overestimate benefits/opportunities. Tip - Be realistic about the issues causing the delays - also add contingency in case the project goes off track again in future. Anchoring The tendency to rely too heavily on one piece of information when making decisions. Tip - Consider the problem from all angles before deciding a way forward.

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4 Risk Management

Effective risk management is essential in addressing concerns about potential delays. Outline your risk management plan, detailing how you've identified possible issues and the strategies you've put in place to mitigate them. This demonstrates foresight and a proactive approach to project management, which can alleviate stakeholder anxiety. By showing that you're prepared for unforeseen events, you can reassure stakeholders that you're equipped to handle challenges that may impact the timeline.

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5 Collaborative Solutions

Engage your stakeholders in finding solutions to potential delays. This collaborative approach empowers them to contribute positively to the project's success. When stakeholders are part of the problem-solving process, they're more likely to support the project's timeline and become advocates rather than critics. This partnership can also lead to innovative solutions that may not have been considered without their input, further enhancing the project's chances of timely completion.

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6 Ongoing Support

Ensuring ongoing support from senior stakeholders is crucial for navigating skepticism. Offer resources and assistance to help them understand the project's complexities and progress. If they feel supported and know that their concerns are being addressed, they're more likely to remain engaged and supportive throughout the project's duration. Regular check-ins and availability to discuss any new developments can also keep skepticism at bay and foster a positive, forward-moving project environment.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you address a senior stakeholder's skepticism about the project's timeline and potential delays?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understanding Concerns

2 Transparent Communication

3 Realistic Timelines

4 Risk Management

5 Collaborative Solutions

6 Ongoing Support

7 Here’s what else to consider

Senior Stakeholder Management

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How do you address a senior stakeholder's skepticism about the project's timeline and potential delays?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understanding Concerns

2 Transparent Communication

3 Realistic Timelines

4 Risk Management

5 Collaborative Solutions

6 Ongoing Support

7 Here’s what else to consider

Senior Stakeholder Management

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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