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The power of the pause: Why Delaying can save your project from Rework
No, I am not saying to delay your work or project schedule every single time, if that is the case, there would be no point in studying project management and reading about time management and scheduling.
There are times when you need to make certain decisions and these decisions must be taken at the right time and at the right moment, for example: while waiting for a very critical information from your cross-functional team that will prevent rework.
Most of times we all are running behind the deadlines, tempting us to charge and get that sh** completed. But sometimes, the most strategic move is not to race the clock, but to hit the brakes and embrace the dreaded “D” word: delay.
The Rework Trap
Rushing to finish tasks without proper planning or consideration can lead to a nightmarish scenario: rework. Delaying, when done strategically, can be the difference between a smooth, successful project and a rework-ridden nightmare.
Research by the Project Management Institute (PMI) reveals that rework costs businesses an average of $1.2 trillion annually, highlighting the devastating impact of this beast.
The Power of the Pause
So, how do we avoid the rework and its destructive path? By recognizing the critical value of strategic delays.
Here’s why slowing down can be the key to project success (sometimes):
- Improved Planning: Rushing into tasks without thorough planning is like building a house on sand. Understanding and deep dive into requirements, risks, and potential roadblocks, leading to a more robust and sustainable project foundation helping you to think clearly and not to rush to get the tasks completed.
- Enhanced Communication: Delaying creates space for open and honest communication with stakeholders. This ensures everyone is aligned on goals, expectations, and potential challenges, reducing the risk of misunderstandings and later rework.
- Time for Testing and Refinement: Rushing through development and testing is a recipe for disaster. Sometimes delaying allows for thorough testing at each stage, identifying and fixing issues before they snowball into major rework needs later.
- Leveraging Experience: Experience is a project manager’s superpower. With experience you know what activities need to be delayed, anticipate potential pitfalls, and proactively adjust course before the rework strikes.
Experience Matters
Of course experience matters, this is where experience plays a crucial role. Seasoned project managers have a radar for potential rework traps. They understand the value of slowing down, assessing the situation, and making informed decisions, even if it means delaying a task or milestone.
Delaying isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a display of strategic foresight. It’s about choosing quality over speed, and understanding that sometimes, a well-timed pause can save you from a world of rework pain.
Please do note that: I am not completely supportive of this but all I am trying to say is take a calculative decision, of course it comes through experience. A new project manager may want to rush through the job and get it done as quickly as possible. With experience, you know whom to reach and get the job done.
Embrace the power of the pause, leverage your experience, and lead your project to success by making strategic delays your secret weapon.
If you have ever purposely delayed a project to avoid rework, please share your experience in the comments section. – Delaying can save your project from Rework
Additional Resources
- Project Management Institute (PMI): Pulse of the Profession 2023
- The Global State of Project Management Survey 2022
- Project Management Journal – Winter 2023 Issue
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