How can you lead your team to overcome a major program setback?

1 Acknowledge the setback

The first step to overcoming a program setback is to acknowledge it openly and honestly. Don't try to hide, deny, or downplay the problem, as this will only erode your team's trust and confidence. Instead, communicate clearly and transparently with your team, sponsors, and stakeholders about what happened, why it happened, and how it affects your program objectives, scope, schedule, and budget. Show empathy and understanding for your team's frustrations and concerns, and invite feedback and questions. By acknowledging the setback, you demonstrate your leadership and accountability, and set the stage for finding solutions.

2 Assess the impact

The next step is to assess the impact of the setback on your program and its components. You need to gather accurate and relevant data and information to evaluate how the setback affects your program's performance, risks, issues, dependencies, and assumptions. You also need to consult with your team, sponsors, and stakeholders to understand their perspectives and expectations, and to identify any gaps or conflicts. By assessing the impact, you establish a realistic and shared understanding of the current state of your program, and the challenges and opportunities ahead.

3 Adjust the plan

The third step is to adjust your program plan to accommodate the setback and its consequences. You need to revisit your program vision, goals, benefits, and outcomes, and determine if they are still valid and achievable. You also need to review your program scope, schedule, budget, quality, and resources, and make any necessary changes or trade-offs. You may need to prioritize, reprioritize, or cancel some of your projects or activities, or seek additional funding or support. You also need to update your program governance, communication, and stakeholder management plans, and ensure they align with the new situation. By adjusting your plan, you create a clear and feasible roadmap for your program's recovery and success.

4 Align the team

The fourth step is to align your team with the adjusted program plan and expectations. You need to communicate the changes and the rationale behind them to your team, sponsors, and stakeholders, and ensure they understand and agree with them. You also need to clarify the roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities of each team member and stakeholder, and resolve any conflicts or ambiguities. You also need to provide guidance, coaching, and support to your team, and help them cope with the stress and uncertainty of the setback. You also need to recognize and reward your team's efforts and achievements, and celebrate the milestones and wins. By aligning your team, you foster a collaborative and positive culture for your program.

6 Adapt to the environment

The final step is to adapt to the changing environment and context of your program. You need to scan and analyze the external and internal factors that may affect your program's relevance, viability, and sustainability. You also need to anticipate and prepare for any future opportunities or threats that may emerge, and adjust your program accordingly. You also need to evaluate and measure your program's impact and value, and report on the results and achievements. You also need to capture and share your program's knowledge and experience, and use them to inform and improve your future programs. By adapting to the environment, you ensure your program's alignment and alignment with the organizational strategy and vision, and enhance your program management maturity and capability.