In this episode, I share a collaborative approach to project management that actually works, without overwhelming complexity. Fresh from facilitating a 3-hour session where 50 managers successfully drafted project plans, I reveal why traditional project management training fails and what works instead. The secret? You're not managing projects—you're managing people.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

The Problem with Traditional Project Management

I share the story of "Fred," an expensive consultant who delivered 40 hours of training that nobody used because it was too complicated. This pattern repeats everywhere: brilliant PMOs can't get teams to adopt complex methodologies, resulting in missed deadlines and frustrated stakeholders.

The Five-Step Process

Step 1: Get Crystal Clear on WHO and WHY

• Conduct sponsor interviews: "What does success look like?"
• Identify customers and what they actually want
• This step alone prevents most project failures

Step 2: Define Boundaries and Anticipate Risks

• Determine what's IN and OUT of scope as a team
• Ask "What could go wrong?" to identify risks upfront
• When teams set boundaries together, they own staying within them

Step 3: Map Your Stakeholders

Use a 2x2 matrix comparing influence with favorability:

• High-influence, supportive = Champions
• High-influence, resistant = Risks needing specific plans
• Create communication plans for different stakeholder needs

Step 4: Action Planning with "Swim Lanes and Sticky Notes"

• Organize work visually into categories (swim lanes)
• Identify deliverables and assign lane leaders
• When people see the whole project, they understand their role

Step 5: Resource Reality Check

Discuss what the project costs in time, money, and political capital. Better to adjust plans now than run out of resources halfway through.

The Results:

Teams experience faster execution, on-time completion, and higher engagement because everyone understands the plan and feels invested in success.

Resources Mentioned:

Project Launch Checklist - Systematic roadmap for each element

When you create understanding through collaborative planning, execution, problem-solving, and effective communication, everything flows more smoothly.

If you're ready to stop managing projects and start leading people through transformational work, let's talk. I'd love to explore how we can bring this approach to your team. Visit ClaireLaughlin.com and connect with me on social channels @Claire Laughlin Consulting.

Until next time, lead the way!

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