Newsletter #15 - Why People-Related Risks Sink Projects—and How to Solve Them
Why People-Related Risks Sink Projects—and How to Solve Them (5 min.)
Uncover the silent saboteurs of your projects—and learn how to address them head-on.
Bottom Line Up Front
🔍 The Problem: People risks silently sink timelines, budgets, and outcomes.
🛠️ The Solution: Tackle them with engagement, communication, and structure.
🎯 Your Takeaway: Spot, solve, and overcome these challenges to succeed.
Why People-Related Risks Are Your Project's Achilles Heel
The technology, timelines, and technical details are meticulously planned in most projects. Yet, many initiatives fail— not because of inadequate tools or tight budgets.
The real culprit? People-related risks.
These risks manifest as:
- Resistance to change among team members.
- Stakeholder misalignment creates confusion and stalls progress.
- Leadership gaps that leave teams unsupported.
In my two decades of experience, I've seen projects derail not because of technical hurdles but because people weren’t on board, engaged, or prepared for the change.
How to Solve People-Related Risks
- Start with Stakeholder Alignment
Misaligned stakeholders are like pulling in opposite directions on a tug-of-war rope. Early alignment meetings ensure everyone is clear on the "why" and committed to the same outcomes.
Tactic: Create a "change narrative" that explains how the project benefits all key players, from leadership to end users.
- Engage Leaders to Be Champions
Teams take cues from their leaders. Without visible, engaged sponsorship, change initiatives falter.
Tactic: Equip leaders with a clear roadmap for championing change—weekly updates, town halls, and personal engagement can make all the difference.
- Communicate Clearly and Often
Confusion fuels resistance. A well-crafted communication plan ensures the right messages reach the right people at the right time.
Tactic: Develop tailored communication strategies for each audience segment, emphasizing clarity and actionable next steps.
- Prepare and Empower End Users
When people don’t feel equipped to adapt, they resist. Invest in training and hands-on support that makes the transition seamless.
Tactic: Replace generic training with role-specific, practical sessions demonstrating clear value.
Real-World Results
When we worked with a global manufacturing company, people-related risks almost derailed their system integration project. Our approach? A laser focus on alignment, leadership enablement, and customized training. The result: an improvement in user adoption and a faster return on investment than projected.
Your Next Steps
Here’s how you can tackle people-related risks today:
✅ Assess Risk Levels: Identify where resistance, misalignment, or gaps in leadership may already be brewing.
✅ Engage with a Framework: Use proven tools to map out stakeholder needs and anticipate resistance.
✅ Seek Support: Facing people challenges? Let’s connect to craft your success plan.
Miguel Guevara
When you are ready, I can help you in three ways:
📞Book a 1:1 Planning call with me (Miguel)
👀 Follow me (Miguel) on LinkedIn
I help business leaders deliver complex projects and write about how to:
- Navigate difficult changes confidently using battle-tested strategies to plan, implement, and win.
- Lead resilient teams by building change management skills and strategies to facilitate change and thrive.
- Reduce risk and boost outcomes using a simple and proven change management framework.
- Excel in your role by gaining insider perspectives and powerful strategies about the corporate world.
