LIENT & THE PROJECT MANAGER$$S TETE$-$A$-$TETE

Understanding the client's concerns, the project manager listened and noted the

five concerns the board of directors expressed to the client. The project manager

observed that the client$$s body language showed more tension than usual, which was a

cue to listen carefully. The project manager nodded occasionally and demonstrated he

was listening through his posture, small agreeable sounds, and body language. The

project manager then began to provide feedback on what was said using phrases like

$$What I hear you say is$...$ or $$It sounds like....$$ The project manager clarified the

message that the client had communicated. The project manager then asked more

probing questions and reflected on what was said. $$It sounds as if it was a very tough

board meeting.$$Is there something going on beyond the events of the project?$$

From these observations and questions, the project manager discovered that the

board of directors meeting did not go well. The company experienced losses on other

projects, and budget cuts meant fewer resources and an expectation that this project

would finish earlier than planned. The project manager also discovered that the client$$s

future with the company would depend on the project's success. The project manager

asked, $$Do you think we need to do things differently?$$ They began to develop a plan

to address the board of directors$$ concerns. What techniques may be used to mitigate the

BOD$$s concern? Think critically, theoretically, and practically, and then give your

judicious answers.