As a software developer consulting at places like Atomic Object for some time, I’ve come to believe that one of the most frustrating situations for a team is when you suddenly find yourself out of immediate work because of some unforeseen complication. Whether it’s due to indecision, lack of resources, or miscommunication, stalled development can challenge the relationship with a client and lead to a cascading effect on team morale.
Anyone who’s been in these shoes knows what I’m talking about; there’s a deep sense of frustration and lack of accomplishment that comes from feeling forced to sit on your hands when you could be moving forward. I’ve seen this happen several times firsthand. Each time, I picked up a few strategies from the people around me that allow a team to keep moving forward in the face of what might seem like a stalled project while ensuring the client is informed and aligned. Let me run through a few generally applicable ones you might find useful in your project.
Communicate regularly and transparently.
First, I should mention that when progress comes to a standstill, the importance of communication can’t be overstated. One of our core values at Atomic is to act transparently, and this is one of the times it’s most critical. Preferably, your client was already aware of the possible risk of the slowdown. But, if they aren’t, your team should immediately communicate to them that the status of work in progress has changed. It’s crucial to keep the lines of communication open with your client. Make sure to provide regular updates on what you can achieve and what is currently on hold due to external factors. This isn’t just about keeping the client informed. It’s also about reinforcing your accountability and professionalism.
Use these updates as an opportunity to foster collaboration rather than simply reporting progress. Encourage discussions where both you and the client can explore alternative solutions to the challenges at hand. A transparent communication strategy builds trust. It reassures your client that you’re still committed to advancing the project and actively working to resolve that blocker.
Pulling this off prevents temporary setbacks from becoming a loss of trust from your client, which is often how software engagements begin to go off the rails.
Think outside the box.
Stagnation can be frustrating, but it also opens the door for creativity. When you hit a roadblock, it’s time to think outside the box and look for ways to use your time productively. Consider undertaking research or conducting spike tasks that could unveil alternative solutions for your client’s unique situation. For example, say you’re waiting on feedback about a specific feature. Why not analyze competing products and gather insights that could shape future development? Or maybe you can look into the next feature or module planned and try to spike out how that might be integrated into the existing product’s ecosystem.
You might also take this opportunity to dig into your team’s workflows for potential improvements. Are there annoying processes or nagging pain points that could be addressed to accelerate future project work? Perhaps there’s a new tool or methodology you’ve been meaning to look into that can enhance productivity or elevate overall product quality in the long term.
Identifying and addressing these inefficiencies helps you feel like you’re making progress. It also demonstrates your proactive approach to problem-solving. By pursuing these avenues, you’re not just keeping yourself occupied. You’re also adding substantial value that puts the project in a better position once you’ve unblocked it.
Be reflective and honest.
When you find yourself with unexpected downtime, it’s a great opportunity to reflect on the circumstances that led to the stalled development. Approach this retrospective with honesty and a commitment to understanding the root causes. Facilitate discussions with your team to dissect what happened. Was there a breakdown in communication, insufficient details in the project scope, or unrealistic expectations set with the client? Genuinely exploring these questions fosters a learning environment that encourages future improvement.
One major problem that can occur on a project is the avoidance of these admittedly uncomfortable discussions. But, I promise that being honest about why things went awry can help everyone involved collectively identify strategies for avoiding similar pitfalls in the future. Remember that this isn’t about assigning blame; it’s about turning a challenging situation into a constructive lesson for everyone, reinforcing a culture of growth within your team and with your client.
Navigating Stalled Development
Stalled development can be a significant source of frustration for both consultants and clients. However, it also presents a unique opportunity for growth and strengthening relationships. By understanding the causes of the blockage, maintaining regular communication, and thinking creatively, you can cultivate an environment where collaboration thrives, even in difficult circumstances. I’d argue that if a difficult situation is handled well, it will strengthen trust between teams. By adopting a reflective mindset and committing to honest evaluations of what led to the block, you also position yourself as a trusted advisor who adds substantial value.
Times that are often frustrating for us as consultants can also be golden opportunities to prove to a client that you truly care about delivering the best possible outcome.