Introducing Schedule Commitment Culture

EdH says : I've been doing project management for a long time, but find myself in new waters, in an organizational culture where authority is weak, risk aversion high at all levels, and in which people just won't give dates or commit to things. We all know that forcing someone to provide a date if they don't really buy into the concept doesn't tend to have great results. But the project I have taken over a few months back is sorely in need of some stakes in the ground and commitment to get on track.

So, if anyone out there has any good references to materials on introducing cultural change in the way of fostering a willingness to make reasoned estimates and commitments (with the ability to revisit as circumstances unfold), I would appreciate pointers. I've hit this other places, but usually in cultures where some stronger authority structure existed. The current culture I am now managing within doesn't operate that way, and that part is the least likely to change - so I need somehow to find ways to instill a willingness to make schedule commitments that while adjustable are also not meaningless. One thing that helps is the people we have are well-intentioned. They simply are so risk-averse and jaded by past project history and cultural issues that even when they say they believe we need to hit schedules, the same people seem unable or unwilling to provide real targets even for tasks of only a couple weeks duration. (I've often found problems getting longer commitments for good reasons based on project uncertainties, but for short-term tasks, this is the most schedule-averse situation I've ever encountered.)

Thanks,

-Ed

svenkatesh says : Have you tried identifying the sponsor of this project and getting him (her) involved?

If there is no commitment all around as you say, then there is probably someone out there who isnt losing money because of this project or doesnt know that money is being lost. If you can bring this to the sponsor's attention, then either more accountable people will be put on the project or the project will be dropped/deferred - which is the only good thing to do in such a case.

Regards,

Sandilya

bas says : Hi Sandilya,

Welcome to the board!

You are so right on this one. If it doesn't hurd in anyone's pockets, probably no one will ever care! Great insight :)

Cheers
Bas