Project management & accountability is about more than saying “no.”
Recording another episode at the KakaComputer Podcast felt like coming home to a conversation I’ve had many times in LGU hallways and dev team chats.
As a former ICT Division head, I’ve seen it often: you’re halfway through a project and suddenly, a stakeholder says,
“Can we also add this feature?”
We’re taught to manage scope. But in real life? Project management & accountability is about more than saying “no.”
Where Innovation Meets Boundaries
In my experience, the best project managers don’t shut the door on change—they look for the workaround.
Can we adjust a current module? Can we integrate it without risking deadlines?
If the answer is yes—we innovate.
If the answer is no—we communicate. Clearly and respectfully.
I’ve told stakeholders, “We love that idea. It’s strong. Let’s put it in the next phase.”
And you know what? Most of them appreciate the honesty—because it shows you’re protecting the project and their vision.
That’s what project management & accountability really looks like: finding the balance between being flexible and being firm.
Wrapping Up: Respect the Request, Protect the Project
Workarounds are tools, not escapes. They only work if they respect both the timeline and the trust.
Being part of KakaComputer’s conversation reminded me—again—that leadership isn’t about knowing all the answers.
It’s about knowing when to adapt, and when to speak the truth.
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