A project doesn't really start until things get messy.

Someone misses a deadline. Something unexpected happens that changes the requirements. A key person goes out of the office. Tension arises between stakeholders.

Those moments challenge the hearts of the project participants. People start getting anxious. Some get frustrated or angry. Some get impatient or impetuous. There can be a divide within the group.

It's during those moments where you as the project manager are so important. It is your courage that will lead the team toward successful completion.

There are three ways you can display courage in the midst of the mess:

1) Be Calm

Keep your cool, even if you're freaking out on the inside. Take some deep breaths. Speak more slowly and deliberately. Doing this will help others calm down too.

2) Be Humble

Be up front about what you know and don't know. Seek help and include others as needed. Demonstrate that you are in a learning mode and that it's okay to not have all the answers. This will help others feel confident that you're being truthful and trustworthy rather than faking it.

3) Be Decisive

You're going to have to decide what to do even if you don't have the full picture. So make the decisions. And call others to make their necessary decisions. The mess is easy to get stuck in. Displaying courage by being decisive will get you out.

Note that being decisive doesn't mean making decisions fast. Sometimes the most courageous decision is to do nothing and bide your time when everyone is pressing you to move fast. Courage is making the right decisions at the right time.

The project messes are your opportunity for your relational intelligence to shine for the benefit of the whole group. Be courageous when those moments come!