“A timeline is a linear representation of cause and effect, changing one event alters all that follow” - J.W. Lord

Most managers tell me they’re frustrated how timeline performance is a challenge; too early, too late, still not done…

Part of the problem is people are challenged with juggling their priorities which often have competing deadlines, then layer in inadequate communication and there’s a recipe for inefficiency.

I’ve witnessed this firsthand this week… To paint the picture my house insurer has commissioned a builder to project manage the replacement of 60 square metres of floorboards in my home that were installed incorrectly.

The Day 1 timeline was a plumber and electrician would disconnect services in the kitchen at 7am, removalists would arrive at 9.30am and the dustproof sealing team would arrive late morning.

The electrician arrived as planned, the removalists arrived at 7.20am, the plumber at 9.30am and the dustproofing team at 8.30am. It was just chaos…

The removalists wasted time waiting for the services to be disconnected, the dustproofing team had to be sent away and when the plumber arrived, he didn’t do everything he needed to do because it wasn’t listed on his job card!!!

And to think this was just Day 1 of a 25 day project….

With the exception of the electrician, it was apparent the impact on the bigger picture wasn’t understood. Stakeholder management and ownership are important when coordinating multiple players.

And guess who took ownership of it…. No one!!!