PMcrunch

Leaders must be able to depend on their people — especially the commitments they make.  Projects and programs are built on estimates from the people we depend upon.  When there’s a pattern of delay, or poor estimates, intervention is required.  We need to be able to separate fact from fiction.

Separating Behavior from Words
A great starting point is to look at behavior, as opposed to relying on what team members have told you.  In doing so, you can share your observations about the disconnect between what is being said and what is being done.  Point to the facts as a focus for conversation.

The real release for us as leaders is to give the person permission to express candidly what stands in their way.  Through conversation, this can be a process of "smoking out" the root cause for the behavior.  With the root cases(s) identified, you will thn be in a position to collaborate with them on a strategy for moving forward.

Face the Facts
Frank and fact-based conversations can go a long way to solving project performance and estimating problems in project control.  They can go a long way to keeping our projects and programs on track.  When separating fact from fiction, we keep our projects and programs anchored in reality.