Zero stress Project Management
This year, I’ve experienced something unbelievable: zero stress on my projects. “How is that possible?” Let me explain.
We’ve all been there - projects thrown our way, often with a handover that leaves much to be desired. Building a relationship with the client is a task we start from ground zero, unlike our sales or client teams who might already be several steps ahead.
Here’s something I’ve noticed: what’s discussed initially with clients often doesn’t fully make it into the final statement of work. And yes, sometimes clients try to sneak those omitted elements back in. It’s a common challenge that can make you feel set up to fail.
But here’s the key: It’s all about reframing how you view the project.
I’m not saying there aren’t challenges, stresses, or things that go wrong. Of course, there are. It’s the nature of the beast. But how you perceive and handle these situations makes a world of difference.
I’ve worked with a number of clients this year, helping them to reframe their approach. When a project has issues, when the client is stressed, when things change - remember, these are not your personal problems.
I always say two things:
- "It’s just a website. No one is going to die." This gives you perspective.
- “It’s not our problem, it’s our customer’s.” We’re here to help them, not to take on their challenges as our own.
Clients are ultimately responsible for their project’s success. We’re just the helping hand. In stressful meetings or interactions, remember to focus on the issue, not the emotions. Empathise with the client, understand their concerns, and help them navigate through.
This mindset shift has been a game changer for me. It allows me to focus on solutions, not stress. I encourage you to try this on all your projects, and all your client relationships to see how it benefits you.
We are problem-solvers, not problem-bearers.
