"My project would run so much smoother if my customer wasn't so difficult!"
I once encountered a legend in the industry during my time leading projects in wireless.
This person was legendarily difficult to work with!
During this particular assignment, I was pinch-hitting as a regional deployment leader while the search for a permanent backfill was underway. I wanted to make a difference fast, like each of you would!
As I got to know this person, I learned that they'd had one bad experience after another while working with Tower companies!
According to this person, Tower companies were slow, rigid, and often dishonest, and when our help was needed, the answer was always 'no'.
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After hearing this account, it made so much more sense to me why they had become "notorious".
They were accustomed to a sub-standard product and were treating these providers accordingly!
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I liked to think I made a quick positive impact with this person, but I wasn't there long enough to make a difference in the numbers. I did learn a lesson though.
✴ There are tremendous opportunities to STAND OUT in wireless project delivery! ✴
It's tempting to think that the industry is mature, the pieces are set, and there's no room to make an impact. I don't believe that for a second!
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Some behaviors I've seen make an impact:
▪ Work with your customers to develop a project plan together! They have a part to play in the project. Take their input.
▪ Warn your customers of risks before they happen and have a mitigation strategy in place before the risk fires (Surprises are the true enemy! 👿).
▪ Measure your performance, diagnose issues, and be transparent about what needs improvement.
▪ Say "yes" when your customer asks you for help and find a way to make it work for both of you.
This industry is COZY!! If you start meeting commitments consistently, I believe there is a tremendous opportunity to build (or rebuild) a lasting brand.
📌 Are you developing a wireless deployment strategy? Project planning in wireless is my firm's specialty. I want to help you make an impact.
📌 Are you a new leader looking to build early momentum? I can help you transform your new team's project management strategy.
📌 Are you a project manager in the wireless industry? Connect, follow, and let me know how you've seen project teams deliver great results.
