Like most project managers I’ve typically tried to manage roadblocks and issues behind the scenes with out raising too much of a fuss. This is usually effective in getting the results I require with out drawing too much attention or using too much political capitol.
However there are times it is best to get a problem out in the open, almost always in conjunction with the behind the scenes work, not instead of. Lining everything up first with your usual communication plan before airing the issues in a more public setting makes sure no one gets surprised.
In the past I’ve usually booked a special meeting of the Project team to address a specific problem or issue that’s causing the roadblock.
A lot of PM’s and some sponsors can see this as a failure of the PM process, however I believe more often than not, calling the “trouble” meeting can benefit the PM directly:
While you may not have foreseen the problem in the planning stages calling a special meeting helps build your credibility because you recognized a problem that the project needs help with and not everyone was aware of.
It also allows the PM to proactively manage the attention given to their project by leadership. This attention is a limited resource that you want to use only when needed. Gets the people you need further u the food chain to pay attention and is used to solve both systemic problems (process) and tactical problems (project).
Perhaps most importantly it shows that you are “Managing the Project”, often a PM’s skills are may not be visible to senior managers and this gives people outside your usual reporting structure that you working to keep things under control.
Meeting with the project team allows people vent, and encourages participation in the solution, which improves buy-in, and makes your change job easier.
If you find yourself confronting a significant problem or barrier in your project, call a special meeting, and get the problem out in the open.
Your project and how you are how leadership perceive you will benefit.