Project Failure Files: The Perils of Boiling the Ocean

In Episode 14 of the Project Failure Files weekly webcast, our focus was “Avoiding Overreach: The Perils of Boiling the Ocean,” discussing the risks of trying to do too much at once. Sharon and I discussed the importance of defining clear project scopes and objectives to avoid scope creep and the pitfalls of ambiguous or overly ambitious project goals. We emphasized that understanding and communicating the specific issues a project is meant to address is crucial in preventing the common problem of “boiling the ocean,” where projects become too broad and unmanageable.

The episode highlighted real-life stories and practical solutions, including the need for project managers to break down large goals into achievable tasks. The discussion pointed out that without clear requirements and objectives, projects can easily deviate from their intended outcomes, leading to wasted resources and potential failure. We also stressed the role of organizational culture in supporting project management, noting that a supportive culture can significantly enhance the success rates of projects by fostering clear communication and accountability.

Preventive measures against overreach were also discussed, with an emphasis on the importance of having well-defined project parameters and the agility to adapt as projects evolve. We argued for a disciplined approach to project management that involves regular re-evaluation of project scopes and objectives to align with evolving organizational goals and external factors. This approach helps ensure that projects remain focused and that teams are not overwhelmed by unrealistic expectations or shifting priorities.

Enjoy the episode!

Be sure to tune in next Monday, September 23rd at 9am Pacific for Episode 15 of this weekly series as Sharon and I discuss “The Pitfalls of Over-Regulation: When Using Governance as a Hammer.“ Join us on LinkedIn or YouTube.