You Hired the Wrong Project Manager/Team for Your Website

Begin this step by maintaining composure and conducting an objective assessment of your website’s current status. Utilize a practical checklist to guide this evaluation. For example, verify that the homepage loads correctly, confirm that navigation menus direct users to appropriate pages, test key features such as contact forms and shopping carts, and ensure that all expected pages—including About, Services, and Contact—are accessible. The purpose is to clearly determine whether the site is live or remains in development, and to identify its precise stage within the project timeline. Systematically document any observable issues or progress, such as missing functionalities or completed sections, to establish a factual basis for subsequent decisions.

Prepare to meet the project manager. Develop balanced feedback by recognizing their contributions, articulating your concerns clearly, and specifying the changes you expect. For example, a sample conversation transcript might include:

Project Manager: ‘Thank you for meeting with me. How are you feeling about the project so far?’

You: ‘I appreciate the effort your team has put into developing the homepage and setting up the core navigation. However, I am concerned about the incomplete shopping cart feature and the inconsistent branding. I would like to see these issues addressed, with a revised project timeline and weekly progress reports. Can we discuss how these changes can be implemented?’

Using a transcript in this way clarifies how to deliver feedback constructively and set measurable expectations.

If the fit is not right, initiate a structured search for a new project manager or team. Establish concrete selection criteria, such as a minimum of 3 years of relevant project management experience, demonstrated quality through a portfolio of successful website launches, and strong communication skills, as evidenced by client testimonials and clear reporting practices.

If you must terminate, adhere to a clear, professional process that incorporates all relevant legal and human resources (HR) considerations. Consult employment contracts and applicable labor laws to ensure compliance, and coordinate with HR professionals to oversee proper procedures. Ensure all communication is documented, detailed, and respectful throughout to protect the interests of all parties involved.

Select a team that demonstrates a thorough understanding of your organizational vision and the specific objectives of your website project. In addition to verifying the team’s technical proficiency and established communication protocols, evaluate their ability to align their working style and collaborative approach with your organization’s values and expectations. For example, during interviews, ask a concrete question such as, “Can you describe how you have incorporated stakeholder feedback into your web development process in past projects?” This approach helps gauge whether the team emphasizes transparent communication and iterative feedback. If your organization prioritizes these qualities, ensure the team holds regular progress meetings and actively solicits stakeholder input throughout the development process. This alignment is crucial because it facilitates smoother workflows, stronger partnership dynamics, and ensures that project outcomes reflect both technical excellence and strategic intent. By prioritizing these dimensions of team fit, you increase the likelihood of achieving both immediate project goals and nurturing sustainable, productive professional relationships.