Here's how you can navigate change and uncertainty in a partnership as a project manager.

I find it’s really important to expect resistance to change but if you put the time in individually with people struggling to change and listen to their concerns, more often than not they walk with you on the journey. Share their pain and show you are willing to learn too and they will follow.

In front of high uncertainty, project management requires two main things: adapted tools and adapted spirit. For tools, we can talk about PM agile methods, new solving-problems technics, learn by doing, new performance criteria or projections instead of planning. For spirit, team members should be at ease with the unknown, accept failures (FAIL= First Attempt In Learning), be flexible, focus first on more important and impactfull points and be able to simplify any system.

Embrace Change: A Strategic Approach to Navigating Partnership Dynamics 1) Change is inevitable in partnerships and crucial for growth. 2) Viewing change positively helps the team see potential benefits. 3) Open dialogue about changes ensures all parties feel heard. 4) Foster a culture where change is seen as an opportunity. 5) Provide tools and training to help the team adapt. 6) Develop a flexible plan that can adjust as needed. 7) Lead by example to inspire confidence and resilience. 8) Embrace change to create a resilient and adaptive environment. 9) Change is a chance to innovate and strengthen the partnership. 10) Navigating change effectively sets the tone for success.

Navigating change and uncertainty in partnerships requires a solid foundation of trust. At Yeltic, we've built this trust through our collaboration with TIST. Together, we’re enhancing the reach and quality of educational material for farmers in Africa and India, despite our team being spread across four continents. We started with open dialogue and set clear ground rules. By creating live, updated documents, we provide ongoing clarity about the project's progress, current status, and next steps. This approach keeps everyone informed and promotes a culture of accountability and trust. The team’s commitment to delivering quality work promptly and its discipline with transparency have been crucial in building a strong partnership.

Trust is not just given, it’s earned. It’s earned from taking the time to listen to your clients and colleagues. Acting on what they tell you and giving them honest feedback on what they expect/need. They need us to come to them as early as possible if we see problems, preferably with a suggested solution, allowing them space to contribute in fixing the problem. If they know you will do this, they are much more likely to give you the space and trust to deliver for them.

Risk management is not a one-time task but an ongoing process. It should be a foundational element of your project planning. But also be prepared to adjust your contingency plans as new information becomes available. Flexibility and adaptability are key to navigating change and uncertainty effectively. Begin by identifying potential risks early on.This involves conducting thorough risk assessments to pinpoint areas of vulnerability within the partnership and the project itself. Once risks are identified, create detailed contingency plans. These plans should outline specific actions to take if a risk materializes. Having clear, actionable steps prepares you for potential disruptions and ensures that your team can respond quick & effectively.