Dear Bob ... I'm part of a large team that's been working on a long project. How long? It was originally scheduled as a two-year project, it just passed its three-year anniversary, and there's no end in sight. The project has been re-launched for the second time, there's still no real project plan, and we now have an impossible deadline to meet. I don't entirely blame the Powers That Be for insisting that this p Dear Bob …I’m part of a large team that’s been working on a long project. How long? It was originally scheduled as a two-year project, it just passed its three-year anniversary, and there’s no end in sight.The project has been re-launched for the second time, there’s still no real project plan, and we now have an impossible deadline to meet. I don’t entirely blame the Powers That Be for insisting that this project finally get finished. There have been a lot of promises made in the past, and it’s understandable that they’ve lost patience.But I’m afraid I’m going to burn out on the new schedule. The deadline really is ridiculous, and our new, go-get-’em project manager has decided this project is his path to glory. So he’s made it clear our lives are on hold until we bring it in. When anyone complains he makes it clear he views the current situation to be our fault.I won’t get into all of the reasons this project is a disaster. You could probably list them just by knowing how big projects get into trouble, without my having to mention any of the details. My only question is this: Should I be a good soldier and sign on to the deathmarch? And if not, what are my alternatives? Do you see any way to rescue the project? – Zombie in the makingDear Zombie …You know the answer to this one as well as I do: Find another job as fast as you can. From your description the new project manager hasn’t fixed any of the factors that caused the last couple of regimes to fail, and a bigger bullwhip isn’t going to make a difference. Why you should burn yourself out pursuing yet another failure is beyond me. You won’t be doing the company any good, and you’ll be doing yourself harm. Get out before you become damaged goods.Is there any way to rescue the project? No. If you feel like sticking your neck out for no good purpose, I suppose you could go through the organizational chart and find the executive most likely to kill the project and put everyone out of their misery. Meet with this individual, explain why that’s the best outcome for the company, explain further why he or she is the one person who can successfully put the thing to rest, and get out of the meeting as fast as you can, without making any commitments.Then, keep your head down and stay healthy enough to have some sick leave left to use in getting time away from the company to interview for your next position. Unless, that is, there’s an avenue you can pursue to get yourself off the project without losing your job. If there is, do that and watch the disaster from a safe distance.– Bob ——– Technology Industry