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- The Gaps That Define Great Project Leaders
This week, I reviewed a contractor quote for a critical upgrade. On the surface, it looked polished—numbers added up, the structure was clean, and timelines were reasonable. But as I read it more closely, I noticed something unusual: a few important tasks simply weren’t mentioned. No discussion, no rejection—just silence.
And that’s where things get dangerous. When something isn’t said, we tend to assume it’s under control. But in project delivery, assumptions can become liabilities. That moment reminded me of a simple truth:
Projects are rarely derailed by what's visible.
They’re derailed by what everyone assumes will “just happen.”
Table of Contents
Why Silence Is a Red Flag
Inexperienced teams take a complete-looking document at face value. Project leaders don’t. We know how to ask:
What are we relying on that hasn’t been written down?
Who owns that responsibility if it falls outside the contract?
What risk are we accepting by not talking about it?
Often, these missing pieces appear later, when it’s most expensive to fix them. Scope exclusions, grey areas, unclear ownership—none of them are exciting to dig into. But they’re where smart leadership lives.
This week, instead of moving forward quickly, I pressed pause. Not to delay progress, but to protect it.
Leadership Is in the Pre-Emptive Moves
After identifying the unspoken gaps, I realigned the scope with clarity and structure. I worked through the implications, restructured the WBS, and ensured we had coverage for the missing areas.
I also set aside contingency—not because I was unsure, but because I understand how easily “small oversights” can grow into budget blowouts.
These are the moments when leadership isn’t loud. There’s no meeting highlight or stakeholder applause. However, this behind-the-scenes thinking prevents chaos later and fosters trust among everyone involved.
What Great Project Leaders Actually Do
There’s a difference between getting things done and getting the right things done.
Project leaders don’t just track tasks and costs—they interpret silence, question certainty, and plan around the unknown.
They make space for what hasn’t been said, and they communicate clearly—because they know that clarity today avoids confusion tomorrow.
Leadership in this space isn’t glamorous. But it’s essential. It’s where outcomes are shaped and risks are absorbed before anyone else notices.
Weekly Reflection
Ask yourself this:
Where in your project might a quiet risk be hiding?
What scope area feels too “assumed” to be safe?
Which silence in a meeting might actually be an opportunity to lead?
Your job isn’t to micromanage every detail.
It’s to think wider, act earlier, and protect the team from surprises.
P.S. Looking for more practical ideas to lead projects with clarity and confidence? Visit vandersonbaril.com.
Want to connect directly? I’d love to hear from you on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vandersonbaril
See you next Saturday!