Being Indecisive - The Quickest Way to Ensure Project Failure

There are many different factors that contribute to the success of a project. If you have ever been on a project management training course, then you will have probably discussed these at length. Some of these factors include teamwork, vision, dedication and realistic targets. Many of these elements are likely to be included on a project management framework during the planning stage of a project. Another important aspect of project success is ability of the person in the leadership role being able to make good decisions, quickly. A failure to make decisions can contribute significantly to the failure of a project.Confusion
One of the major problems created by a leader that is unable to make decisions is confusion. Members of the team may not be sure of what is expected of them or be completely unaware of what tasks they are supposed to completing. Some tasks may be duplicated while others are not completed at all. Confusion leads to disorganisation, resentment and the failure to complete the project successfully.Time-Limited Options
At the start of the project, there are likely to be many options available to move the project forward. By the time you reach the later stages, not all of these options will be viable. If a boss is having trouble making decisions, they may find themselves in the position of having their options significantly reduced. This can then impact on the overall success of the team and the project.Demotivating Staff
When a leader is indecisive, they lose the respect of their team very quickly. Employees will soon become demotivated as they see various elements of the project going wrong. This in turn will then lead to team members lacking enthusiasm for the project and this will then lead to a decrease in productivity. Employees need to see a leader that is quick thinking and decisive as this will motivate and inspire them.


Lack of Structure
Although flexibility is required in any project, some structure is needed to get everything done in time and on target. Indecisiveness of a leader can result in a lack of structure and this causes projects to be late or fail completely. By making good decisions at the start of the project, the project manager can set reasonable targets for different stages of the project. As different issues arise throughout the project, quick decisions need to be made that look for solutions to these problems as this will ensure the smooth running of the project.Overall, the decision-making process plays a vital role in successful project management. The ability to make good decisions quickly is the sign of good leadership, whereas indecisiveness is a sign of a poor project manager. A weakness in this area can have serious implications to the outcome of a project. If you are a project manager and you acknowledge that decision-making is one of your weaknesses, then it is advisable to consider some project management training to help you avoid some of the common mistakes project managers make.