It's just a website; no-one is going to die 💀

Published on 14 November 2023

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but…


IT’S JUST A WEBSITE; NO-ONE IS GOING TO DIE! *


When managing a project, the level of stress you should allow yourself to feel should be proportional to the severity of the situation in front of you.


You do still need to make sure you do your job, which means:

👉 Manage the project

👉 Deal with change

👉 Fix problems


But when things kick-off, clients get upset, dependencies get missed, or you feel the pressure building - just remember to step back and look at the big picture.


Steps to success

These are your steps to success in a challenging project situation when you are in the ‘heat of battle’:

  1. Don’t dig up the past; you are here now so just look forward

  2. Work out the best way to get from here to the end of the project

  3. Present this plan to everyone involved (See this post on Managing Stakeholders when everything is on fire)

  4. Execute

  5. 🙌 (Bonus step) Book in a wash-up


In the grand scheme of things, websites are just tools – they are not life and death. While it’s good to take your work seriously and deliver high-quality results, don’t let the stress of it consume you. Keep calm, remind yourself that “it’s just a website,” and focus on finding solutions that move the project forward.

It’s human nature to dwell on problems, especially when the stakes are high. However, in the context of project management, this can be a recipe for disaster. Shift your focus to finding solutions. Identify the root causes of the problems, brainstorm potential solutions, and evaluate the pros and cons of each option. By adopting a solution-oriented mindset, you’ll alleviate (some of) the stress associated with the problems.

There is always a way to get things done.

Project management is not about avoiding problems; it’s about overcoming them with clear communication and perseverance.


(*) Unless you work on something like medical hardware integration. Then quality (or in this case, safety) is non-negotiable, the timeline or budget will have to move - manage expectations on this.

Some further reading:


About the author: Jon Munson

As a Digital Delivery and Operations Consultant, I have honed my skills while working with some of the most dynamic and innovative digital agencies in the industry. I've had the opportunity to work with teams that are punching well above their weight, and I understand the unique challenges they need to overcome.

I’ve worked as a developer, project manager, producer, head of operations and delivery lead. Now it’s time for me to help teams like yours grow and win!



3 ways I can help you:

  • Consulting for your business: I'll work with your team to develop or improve processes around how you deliver work, operate your business, and give your customers a great experience.

  • Coaching your team: I'll coach your team to level them up, implement process, or support them through any issues they are facing - no matter what their experience level.

  • 1-2-1 Coaching: From junior project manager, to operations director - I'll work with you to get where you want to be, coaching you through challenges and process every step of the way.



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