LEADERSHIP

116 • LEADERSHIP
takes; or that there’s no such thing as a perfect plan. If you
think about past projects, you’ll likely agree: every adventure
includes an ordeal, crux, or dramatic moment. Dealing with
problems is inevitable. The only questions are: when and how
severe? Problems are an integral part of every adventure—large
or small.
In some projects, you’ll spend most of your time dealing
with problems. It can make even a superhero consider changing
vocations. I have a colleague who jokingly describes projects
like these as vampire projects. “You wish you could kill
‘em but you can’t. And as long as they’re alive,” Matt grumbles,
“they’ll suck the life out of everyone on the team!”
Silver bullet, anyone?
Fortunately, good planning and an experienced team can
help you avoid most serious problems. (And keep you working
safely in the daylight or in the dark.)
Identifying Potential Problems
Don’t be afraid to go ugly early.
All too often, when emerging problems are spotted, silence
abides. Rather than sounding the alarm, startling their workmates,
and interrupting group bliss, most people choose to
hide and watch; to wait and hope.
“Maybe I’m wrong,” they think. “Maybe it will go away,”
they wish.
“Maybe we’ll fail!” I say.
Rather than risking a racket—or worse yet, ridicule—over a
brewing undoing, many team members hold back. I prefer
dealing with issues quickly—knowing that I’ll react to an occasional
false alarm—to battling a full-blown brouhaha. How