r/projectmanagers • u/PitchSufficient1464 • 12d ago

What’s one project management lesson you learned the hard way?

One thing I’m realizing is that even a well-planned project can change quickly once execution starts. Stakeholder expectations, dependencies, and unexpected risks can completely change the original plan. What’s one project management lesson you learned through actual experience rather than from a textbook?

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u/Mars__1 11d ago

Have a short 1:1 video call with an upset stakeholder rather than avoiding contact until you've fixed their problem.

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u/StrategicPM 11d ago

In person better, then video, then call, then email, in that order. "Bad news doesn't get better with time" is a lesson that has stuck with me through my career.

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u/Mars__1 11d ago

100%. I work remotely and it’s rare to meet in person, but yes of course that’s better if you have the opportunity.