Surviving the Wilds of Delivery Management: Overcoming the Dangerous Animals of Project Delivery

As a delivery manager, it's your job to ensure that your team delivers projects on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of your clients. However, there are many hazards and obstacles that can derail your plans, and it's important to be aware of these "dangerous animals" of delivery management and learn how to overcome them.

Here are some of the most dangerous animals of delivery management:

Scope Creep Chameleon - Like a chameleon, scope creep can blend into your project, slowly expanding its reach and changing its shape until it becomes unmanageable. To avoid scope creep, it's important to define your project scope clearly, communicate it to your team, and monitor it regularly to ensure that it doesn't get out of control.

Slothful Communication Breakdown - Sloths move slowly, and communication breakdowns can slow down your project just as much. To avoid this hazard, it's crucial to maintain open and clear communication with your team members, clients, and stakeholders. Set up regular check-ins and meetings, use collaboration tools like Slack or Trello, and make sure everyone knows what's expected of them.

Time-Stealing Hyena - Hyenas are known for their scavenging habits, and in the same way, time-stealing tasks can rob your project of valuable resources. To avoid this, identify any tasks that are taking up too much time and find ways to streamline or delegate them. Use time-tracking tools like Toggl or RescueTime to monitor your team's productivity and identify areas for improvement.

Feedback Piranha - Just like piranhas can quickly swarm and attack, feedback can sometimes be overwhelming and come from all directions. To manage feedback effectively, establish a clear feedback process and encourage constructive criticism. Use tools like Google Forms or SurveyMonkey to collect feedback from your team and clients, and make sure to follow up on any issues or concerns.

Endless Meeting Elephant - Elephants are known for their size and strength, and endless meetings can feel just as overwhelming. To avoid this hazard, make sure meetings are necessary and efficient. Use agendas and time limits to keep meetings focused, and consider using alternative communication methods, like email or instant messaging, when appropriate.

In conclusion, delivery management can be a challenging role, but by being aware of these "dangerous animals" and taking proactive steps to address them, you can ensure that your projects stay on track and deliver the expected results. Use project management tools like Asana or Jira to stay organized, communicate clearly with your team and clients, and monitor your progress regularly. With the right mindset and tools, you can overcome any obstacle and deliver successful projects every time.