Why do project teams cut corners?

Everyone knows it’s a bad practice for project teams to cut corners, but why do teams still take this easy-but-dangerous route?  The answer is simple and frustrating: Because a lot of the time, they get away with it. Whenever a project team skirts the normal course of action for completing a task, or avoids steps in the standard processes, there are risks that may follow. Results such as missing or incomplete documentation or incomplete components that must be redone could result in much bigger problems in the long run. Some of the proactive strategies that can be adopted to prevent cutting corners include:

Implementing and enforcing stringent project controls

By identifying potential issues early, such as a conflict between dependent activities or a delay in the delivery of a critical component, the team will not only be aware of where problems are lurking, they’ll also have the early warning they need to resolve the issue and ensure the project stays on track.

Emphasizing accountability across the Project Team improves individual accountability which eliminates finger-pointing, as each team member knows exactly what they must do to achieve success.

Ultimately, adherence to processes starts with leadership so if your team has succumbed to the temptation to skimp on effort or short-change a project activity, consider the risks of your actions and adopt and consistently apply best practices to avoid cutting corners when executing projects.