Today tables have turned.

Imagine this - You have delivered the project on time. And the client is not willing to release the requirement. What are you going to do?

You can not hold on to resources - Because they are required in other projects.

You can not keep extending the timeline - As you have already provided what was requested.

The client's priorities have changed - but not yours. How to handle such scenarios? We will discuss on how to navigate your boat on the right path:

1. Communicate & Clarify

Initiate an open and honest conversation with the client to understand their reasons for not wanting to release the requirement. Seek clarity on their concerns, objectives, and any changes in priorities that may have arisen since the project began.

Do: - Set up a meeting to get clarity and communicate your thoughts.

2. Revisit the Scope

This is the most logical step to decide the next steps.

Review the project scope and contractual agreements to ensure there is a clear understanding of the deliverables and acceptance criteria. If necessary, refer back to the initial requirements documentation or project specifications to reaffirm what was agreed upon.

Do: If the client's goal is to increase the scope and then do the release - Work with your team on the scope addition - Revisit the Contract terms and take further steps.

3. Highlight the deliverables

Emphasize the fact that you have fulfilled your obligations by delivering the project on time and meeting the agreed-upon requirements. Share evidence of the completed work, such as documentation, test results, or any other relevant artefacts, to demonstrate that the project is ready for release.

Do: Provide required artefacts and schedule a demo meeting.

4. Educate the impact

Help the client understand the potential implications of not releasing the requirement. Discuss the impact it may have on resource allocation, project timelines, and any downstream activities or dependencies. Present a clear picture of the benefits and value that releasing the requirement can bring.

Do: While presenting a clear picture - Make sure you are providing a deadline to the client - till which time you will be able to provide support.

5. Seek Alignment and Compromise

Engage in a collaborative dialogue with the client to find common ground and identify potential compromises. Explore alternative solutions that may address their concerns while still allowing for the release of the requirement. This could involve adjusting certain aspects of the requirement, finding interim solutions, or prioritizing specific functionalities.

Do: This is a collaborative effort. Make sure - at the end of all practices - you have a clear action plan.

Communication, negotiation, and implementation - are the keys to navigating such scenarios.

Feel free to add up your experience - How did you manage such clients?

Keep learning!