The psychological barriers in our industry that we may not be aware of.
Have you ever thought about the impact of psychology in project management, especially when it comes to unrealistic expectations?
It’s an intriguing question, and one Colin Craney explores in his latest Elevator World article.
Colin reflect on an early experience, from when he first came ‘off-tools’, and became involved in the planning and execution of projects and navigating the grey area of multiple parties and client’s internal beliefs.
His recollection hones in to the heart of the issue; how even well-qualified professionals can fall prey to psychological barriers that hinder rational decision-making. They really believed that the project was acheivable.
“As discussions progressed, people became more entrenched in their views and insistent in their support of the impracticable programme, eventually to a state of agitation and frustration in relation to our refusal to accept this.”
As Colin explains, the beliefs at play quickly led to a ‘stale-mate’ as several, dangerous, psychological barriers came into play.
Within this one example, Colin identifies Cognitive Dissonance, Bounded Rationality and Group Thinking; the results are pretty astounding.
“The effect of these psychological phenomena is such that we come to believe something, regardless as to how irrational or ridiculous this may be, and then proceed to internalise and justify that belief such that any attempt to dislodge or challenge it is perceived as an attack on the ego or integrity of the individual.”
Colin recounts his colleague’s strategy that was able to bring the management team and civil engineers to their senses and understand how their proposed plan of action was completely impractical, and impossible.
What did his colleague do? He used a narrative approach to challenge these psychological barriers and break the process down the process step by step.
Colin’s early experience is not unique. It highlights how external pressures in commercial activities can lead even the most well-qualified professionals to mislead themselves.
Does this sound all too familar to you?
If it does click the link the below to read the full article.
It’s an extremely enlightening read and something we should all, as industry professionals, be aware of.
Colin Craney has 42 years of industry experience, initially in a number of field and management roles with Otis, followed by 17 years in consulting, currently for SVM Associates. Colin is a U.K. chartered engineer and a fellow of CIBSE, European engineer, chartered safety and health practitioner, accredited consultant on the HSE Occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register and a member of the Chartered Institution of Occupational Safety and Health. Colin is a barrister, having been called to the bar by the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple.
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