How should risks and issues be handled by a project manager?

Tracking risks and issues and establishing proper escalation paths is a critical responsibility for a project manager. By maintaining a detailed record of potential risks and current issues, the project manager can monitor their status and impact on the project. This proactive approach allows the team to assess and prioritize risks based on their likelihood and potential consequences, enabling informed decision-making.

Establishing proper escalation paths is equally important, as it ensures that risks and issues are communicated effectively to the relevant stakeholders at the appropriate times. This structured communication allows for timely intervention and mitigation strategies, which can prevent minor issues from escalating into significant roadblocks. By creating this system, project managers foster a culture of transparency and accountability, empowering team members to report risks and seek help when needed.

In contrast, keeping risks and issues secret compromises the project’s success by creating an environment of uncertainty. Ignoring risks or focusing solely on immediate concerns can lead to unforeseen challenges that might derail the project later on. Similarly, limiting discussions about risks to formal team meetings may hinder timely communication and resolution of urgent issues. Ultimately, a well-organized approach to managing risks and issues is essential for the health and progress of a project.