The Top 10 People Challenges in Projects — And How to Overcome Them
Managing a project can feel like balancing a bunch of spinning plates—time, budget, goals, and people. And honestly, the people part can often be the toughest. Whether it’s keeping everyone on the same page or dealing with unexpected changes, there are always challenges. But don’t worry, we’re here to talk about some common people problems in projects and how you can handle them smoothly. This article is for project managers, team leads, and anyone who deals with the ups and downs of managing projects.
1. Undefined Goals
One of the first roadblocks you’ll hit in any project is not having clear goals. It’s hard to hit a target when no one knows where it is! When goals are vague, it’s easy for the whole project to get off track. To avoid this, project managers should ask specific questions at the outset:
- Define Success: “What does success look like?”
- Identify KPIs: “What metrics will measure our success?”
- Establish Priorities: “Which goals are the most important?”
- Determine Timeframes: “What is our timeline for achieving these goals?”
- Encourage Collaboration: “How can we ensure everyone is aligned?”
By addressing these questions, project managers can clarify objectives and keep the team focused and on track, ultimately enhancing project effectiveness.
2. Scope Creep
Ever been on a project where the list of things to do just keeps getting longer? That’s scope creep. It happens when extra tasks sneak into the project after it’s already been planned out. This is really common—52% of projects deal with scope creep, according to a 2022 PMI study (PMI, 2022). The key here is for the project manager to keep a close eye on these new requests, figure out if they’re necessary, and then explain how they’ll affect the project’s time and budget. Being clear about this from the start helps manage everyone’s expectations.
3. Skill Gaps
Sometimes a project needs skills your team just doesn’t have, and that can cause delays or lead to work that’s not up to standard. If there’s a gap, it’s time to either train the team, hire new people, or bring in outside help. To address this, project managers should assess their team’s skills early on. Here are some effective strategies:
- Conduct Skills Assessments: Use surveys to evaluate team members’ competencies.
- Review Job Descriptions: Identify deficiencies by comparing team skills to project requirements.
- Implement Onboarding Practices: Assess new hires for relevant skills and training needs.
- Encourage Feedback: Foster an environment for open discussions about skill challenges.
In 2023, McKinsey reported that 87% of companies are already facing or expect to face skill shortages, so this is something many teams deal with.
This is where Infojini can assist by providing highly specialized talent tailored to project needs. Whether you require training, new hires, or external expertise, Infojini connects you with the right professionals to bridge these skill gaps and ensure project success.
4. Lack of Accountability
When no one feels responsible for certain tasks, things can go off the rails quickly. Everyone needs to own their part of the project. A good project manager makes sure each team member knows exactly what they’re responsible for. When people know what’s expected and take ownership, the project moves a lot more smoothly.
5. Poor Risk Management
Let’s be real—no project ever goes exactly as planned. There are always surprises. That’s why managing risks is such a big deal. It’s up to the project manager to figure out what could go wrong and have a plan to handle it. A 2023 PwC study showed that 60% of projects fail because of poor risk management. Being prepared makes all the difference when things don’t go as expected.
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6. No Backup Plan
Without a backup plan, even small problems can blow up into major issues. A smart project manager always thinks ahead and works with their team to plan for those “what if” moments. To strengthen contingency plans, project managers should:
- Collaborate with Procurement Teams: Secure alternative vendors or resources in case of disruptions.
- Partner with MSPs: Access contingent workers when internal resources are limited.
- Conduct Risk Workshops: Identify potential risks and plan mitigation strategies.
By working with internal teams and external partners, project managers can create strong contingency plans to handle unexpected challenges.
7. Bad Communication
Communication can make or break a project. If your team isn’t in the loop, confusion and mistakes are bound to happen. A project manager should keep everyone updated on what’s going on, what’s coming next, and what they need to do. Regular check-ins and open communication go a long way in avoiding unnecessary problems.
8. Unrealistic Deadlines
Setting deadlines that are too tight can lead to burnout and frustration. While deadlines matter, they need to be realistic. A good project manager knows the importance of setting goals that push the team without overwhelming them. When deadlines are doable, it keeps everyone motivated and productive.
9. Not Enough Resources
When a project lacks time, money, or the right tools, it’s up to the project manager to identify and secure the necessary resources. Effective resource management means staying flexible and adjusting as the project evolves.
For understaffed projects, Infojini’s staffing solutions can help by:
- Providing Specialized Talent: Quickly filling skill gaps with qualified professionals.
- Offering Flexible Workforce Options: Temporary hires or long-term consultants to match project needs.
- Enabling Scalable Staffing: Adjusting team size as project demands change.
By using these staffing solutions, project managers can ensure they have the resources needed to keep the project on track.
10. Disengaged Stakeholders
If the key people involved—whether it’s clients, upper management, or even team members—aren’t engaged, the project can easily lose momentum. It’s the project manager’s job to keep communication open and get regular feedback, making sure everyone feels connected and invested in the project. When stakeholders stay engaged, they’re more likely to support the project and help move it forward.
Conclusion
Navigating project challenges such as undefined goals, skill gaps, resource limitations, and lack of backup plans can be daunting. However, with the right approach and support, these obstacles can be transformed into opportunities for improvement. At Infojini, we specialize in providing expert consulting and project management support tailored to your unique needs.
By collaborating closely with your team, we can help you define clear goals, assess skill gaps, and develop effective contingency plans. Our flexible staffing solutions ensure that you have access to specialized talent when you need it most, allowing you to maintain momentum and keep stakeholders engaged.
Let Infojini assist you in building a more efficient project management strategy that not only addresses these challenges but also drives your projects to success. Contact us today to learn how we can work together to elevate your project management capabilities.
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