Your project is facing a serious roadblock. How can you keep your vendor on track?

1 Communicate clearly

The first step to keeping your vendor on track is to communicate clearly and frequently. You need to establish a regular cadence of meetings, reports, and feedback to monitor the vendor's progress, identify any issues, and align on expectations and goals. You also need to communicate any changes in your project's scope, timeline, or requirements that may affect the vendor's work. Make sure you document all your communication and agreements in writing to avoid any confusion or disputes later.

3 Collaborate closely

Another way to keep your vendor on track is to collaborate closely with them and treat them as a partner, not an adversary. You should involve your vendor in your project's planning, decision-making, and problem-solving processes, and leverage their expertise and insights. You should also provide them with the resources, information, and support they need to do their job well, and address any concerns or questions they may have. By building a strong relationship with your vendor, you can foster trust, loyalty, and mutual respect, and increase the chances of a successful outcome.

4 Escalate appropriately

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your vendor may not be able to resolve the roadblock or meet your expectations. In that case, you may need to escalate the issue to a higher level of authority or involvement, either within your own organization or the vendor's. You may need to consult with your project sponsor, stakeholder, or legal team, or contact the vendor's manager, supervisor, or owner. You should explain the situation clearly, provide evidence of the vendor's performance or behavior, and propose a course of action that can protect your project's interests and objectives.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?