When a program slips, the pressure is to go faster. It is usually better to stop briefly and look clearly.
Find the real status
Talk to the people doing the work, without the slides. Ask what is finished, what is blocked and what everyone already knows but nobody has said.
Cut scope before adding people
Agree what must be true for go-live, and move the rest to later. Adding people to a confused program often adds more confusion.
Report with no surprises
Publish a plan people can believe, with named owners. Then report progress against it, honestly, every week.
