Principles of Ending a Project
People seek consultants’ services to help them accomplish their projects and yield profits. Therefore, consultants should facilitate proper and quality finish of the assigned project, which, in return, build an excellent client-consultant relationship. Therefore, every project consultant should realize that the ending of a project is equally important as starting.
The chapter was educative and sharpened my skills further on how to end projects. First, the articles reviewed the importance to agree with the client about the activities expected at the final stage of the project, such as writing final reports. Besides, consultants should use such reports to showcase their capability/capacity. Further, initial agreements provide guidelines on how to deal with project uncertainty as well as responsibilities. Secondly, it is essential to hold a debriefing with the client as this opens opportunities for both client and consultant to review the project performance, comments, and complements. Additionally, it opens a window for a consultant to show his good-will for the progress of the client, which boosts the relationship and opportunity for future businesses.
Subsequently, as the book claims, consultants should enjoy the work and, more importantly, celebrate after project completion. On that note, celebration stays in people’s mind for long, its shows appreciations of every person participation, which fosters friendship and increase chances of future partnership. Last but not least, the consultant should see the end of a project as the beginning of another project, which therefore means it is vital to keep in touch with the client. Perhaps, many clients would like to rehire people they have worked with rather than new faces, thus keeping in contact increases the chances of future businesses as well as referrals. In conclusion, consultants should use the final phase of the projects to create good relationships with clients to open opportunities for the next engagement and referrals.