How to better cope with project frustration

Even though it often doesn't feel that way, many obstacles are hidden opportunities. Peter Siwon explains how to better cope with project frustration and helps you discover hidden resources in projects.

You – yes, you – I mean! You're one of the adventurers in the tech jungle, aren't you? Don't be modest! You're surely one of those brave souls who keep venturing into this jungle. You might get caught in the thicket of circuit traces or slowly sink into the swamp of code. Bugs, big and small, suck time and money out of your project like parasites. And when you finally reach your goal, exhausted but at least alive, your boss asks why it couldn't have been done faster.

Why do we put ourselves through this? The age-old driving force of humanity – curiosity coupled with our primal survival instincts – is still at work. The motives may be archaic, but they awaken in us the secret forces that propelled Columbus across the Atlantic and the Americans to the moon.

The world of electronics offers project managers in particular fantastic opportunities to test their adventurous spirit. There's something for everyone: for daredevils who freely climb seemingly insurmountable application challenges, and for meticulous planners who guide caravans through the most inhospitable system solution deserts with sophisticated logistics.

Isn't it wonderful to be an adventurer or explorer? Long live the primal instinct! Of course, there's also groaning and complaining. And many a person, wading through stinking code soup, wonders if leading such a project is really a good thing. But what would an adventure be without tales of woe, without the scars you can proudly show your colleagues? How dull would project management be without the old stories that circulate over warming coffee during breaks, making the young greenhorns green with awe: "Remember when our control system blew up and we had to build a new one overnight out of old radios and a coffee machine? Hey, it's still working today."„

A problem is a subjective construct of the mind.

Okay, in hindsight most problems and crises make for welcome conversation topics, but what do we do when we're in a tight spot to better cope with the despair and frustration?

Here's a perspective that might help you: A problem is a highly subjective construct of our minds. It's one of many perspectives we can attribute to a situation. For example, a project manager might interpret the objections of a critical colleague or client as an annoying disruption, but also as helpful feedback. People often find objections particularly bothersome when they feel exposed and are less concerned with the project itself than with being right.

The so-called "problem person" touches a raw nerve, something unrelated to the project: Most people, especially those in leadership positions, simply like to be right. I know what I'm talking about because I'm one of them myself. In such situations, the following question helps me: What hidden resource or opportunity lies behind this problem or obstacle?

In my search for the answer, I've already made some amazing discoveries. The problem might not be the supposed problem person, but rather my own attitude toward the project. When the project is more important than being right, the problem magically disappears. This new perspective unlocks valuable resources.

My colleagues will be more open and willing to discuss alternative solutions or potential risks if I acknowledge their contributions instead of dismissing them as if it were an insult to their authority. At the same time, I gain confidence as a leader because I am doing what good leadership is all about: combining the experiences and ideas of everyone involved to achieve a common goal.

My role as project manager is not to be right, but to achieve success together with my team. This desire to adjust my leadership style raises the question of how, and may lead to the following insight: In the future, I will involve my team members more closely in the solution process from the outset, instead of simply presenting them with ready-made solutions.

Another discovery might be this: An obstacle in the project forces me and the project team to examine the project's goal and our own capabilities more closely. This can bring significant advantages for the further course of the project if we use it as an opportunity to define the goal more clearly, address weaknesses, and consistently leverage strengths.

So, if you encounter a problem, embark on a journey of discovery to find new perspectives and hidden resources. It's worth it!

The extreme case is the failed project. It seems to be an obstacle to further career development. This is indeed true if we don't recognize the resources hidden behind the failure and make them visible to others: the experiences that can be incorporated into the next project; the project components that actually worked; the knowledge gaps that were discovered and can now be addressed; important new criteria for future project planning, etc.

Unfortunately, sometimes, when my eagerness to find a solution unexpectedly leads me to run into an obstacle, I lose my composure so much that the crucial question about hidden resources only occurs to me much later. By then, however, my impatience has already caused quite a bit of damage. This is embarrassing, especially since I not only know better, but I'm also constantly giving others advice on this very topic.

But the question of hidden resources remains relevant even after the damage is done. Possible answers include: Such situations help me develop my tolerance and understanding for others who, like me, sometimes act against their better judgment. They provide material for exciting stories or columns like this one. Best of all, they show me that my journey of discovery into hidden resources is always worthwhile and will never end. Isn't that a wonderful prospect for curious people like you and me?

Even though it often doesn't feel that way, many obstacles
These are hidden opportunities.
(Image: foto art Elisabeth Wiesner)

If you are interested in a questionnaire for discovering hidden resources, please send a message with the subject "Resources" to denkanstoss@microconsult.de. I also welcome your suggestions and feedback on this topic.