One thing dominates world news. The spread of the Coronavirus infection COVID-19 is now global, and many countries are seeing massive disruption.
So, how should you respond, as a Project Manager?
In this video, I go through a 7-step response plan.
Our full COVID-19 article, with business references and resources is at [ Ссылка ]
Do also take a look at our article: Managing Remote Teams: How to Meet the Challenges
[ Ссылка ]
As an educator, and with a community of Project Managers who come to me for answers, I feel a need to respond. So, here is an outline COVID-19 plan for you. Its purpose is to remind you of seven priorities, and to act as a starter in forming your own plan.
1. Protect your people
Your team, stakeholders, community. Number 2 on this list may be the first thing to do, but this is your first priority. Reduce the need for travel. Encourage more home working. Put people’s health ahead of project deadlines.
2. Put it on your risk register
Convene a project Working Group and discuss a series of scenarios. Then use each of those to identify risks and work on mitigations. Look for base case common features across scenarios and build infrastructure to handle it.
3. Consider if your project should be halted or delayed
Open a conversation with your project sponsor, board, client… You need to be the one that goes to them, rather than them coming to you – that shows you as leading the situation, rather than just managing outcomes. You’ll need their sign-off on some decisions.
4. Key into organizational responses
Your wider organization will be responding too. Your skills are valuable, so offer your help in formulating it. Bring organization-tier thinking into your project. And also link into responses among your wider business and social communities.
5. Consider procurement commitments
This one cuts both ways. You may need to delay deliveries of materials or bringing in contracted staff, if your project will slow down. Liaise with your suppliers. But, equally, if you plan to continue work, you may choose to advance purchase decisions and delivery dates to de-risk availability of materials.
6. Keep talking
In times of uncertainty, fear, and possible panic, make communication a top priority. Even if you don’t know anything new, communicate that fact. Be open and candid with your team, stakeholders, and your client/boss/sponsor. Communicate your scenarios and plans, and then update with how events are affecting your project and changes to those plans.
7. Regular review cycle to reconsider plans and responses
Set up a regular review process, to keep yourself and key people up-to-date on external facts, and allow time to consider responses. The situation may change fast. Establishing a process to evaluate changes will give you the infrastructure to adapt quickly.
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