When a project fails the focus should NOT be “WHO” - the focus should be : 1-Why, 2-How, 3-When * Analyze the issues * Recognize the issue * Name the issues and the areas of failure : Planning -Resources- Leadership/Governance * Never Lie or minimize the issues * Find solutions * Regroup-motivate the Team * Set clear , yet ambitious expectation * Insure you apply and have a leadership that supports -Project culture

When a project under my watch fails, I address executive expectations with honesty and solutions. I start by clearly outlining what went wrong and the factors that led to the failure—no sugarcoating, just facts. Then, I take full accountability, showing leadership by owning mistakes and focusing on lessons learned. To regain confidence, I present a practical recovery plan, including immediate actions to mitigate impact and strategies to prevent future issues. Transparent communication paired with a forward-looking approach helps rebuild trust and ensures alignment on the next steps.

Manage executive expectations with tough feedback by: • Acknowledging Responsibility: Take ownership of the failure and avoid shifting blame, setting a tone of accountability. • Provide Clear Context: Offer a detailed analysis of what went wrong—highlighting key challenges, missed signals, and decision points. • Focus on Lessons Learned: Shift the conversation to actionable insights, demonstrating how you plan to prevent similar issues in the future. • Propose a Recovery Plan: Present a well-defined corrective action plan with timelines, resource needs, and performance metrics. • Reinforce Commitment: Show unwavering dedication to the team’s success, emphasizing how you’ll lead future projects with improved strategies.

I once organized a team event where everything that could go wrong did. Power cuts, missing supplies—you name it. I stood there thinking, ‘Wow, I’m living a Murphy’s Law documentary.' My shy words were- 'Alright, team, let’s address the elephant in the room: the event tanked. I won’t sugarcoat it—but failure isn’t fatal. We did aim high, hit some turbulence, but let's brainstorm into plan B.' Then we 'together' worked out the plan B before I turned to share the lessons we learned and our new plan with the executives. I believe, there's no need to avoid tough feedback—just layer it with honesty, solutions, and a little optimism. Execs love clarity and bounce-back energy. Own it, and show that you're pivoting! Life happens, right?! :)

📌 Talk it out. You're right, this project failed on my watch. Upon review, the breakdown in communication occurred because not all of the parties were kept in the loop. Effective immediately, to ensure connectivity across the various departments, we are launching a new app and digital resources. Let us know if you like our new communication tools and how we may continue to engage and enhance mediums of communications. #StrategicCommunications

Projects don’t always go as planned, and failure is part of life. Understanding this helps me and my team quickly pick up and keep striving. When a project falls short, transparency is my priority. I clearly explain what went wrong, using concrete details to avoid excuses. For instance, during a project delay, I highlighted unforeseen challenges while taking responsibility for areas we could have better managed. I also emphasize accountability, outlining immediate steps to address the issue. After a failed campaign, we analyzed the root cause and implemented protocols to prevent recurrence. Finally, I focus on solutions, presenting actionable recovery plans with realistic timelines. This approach reassures stakeholders and builds trust.