I often think about the number one cause of burnout, in the profession with the highest rates (and no, this isn’t a joke about firefighters or furnace workers).

Nearly 50% of people leading change (i.e. project managers) report burnout at some time or another. This is the project failure we should be talking about.

44% of project managers say a lack of resources is a top challenge.

Burnout and stress are symptoms. Resourcing is the leading cause. But what’s the root cause?

This stat gives us a clue: 43% of project managers feel teams are understaffed, but only 20% of senior leaders agree.

Projects often fail to get the buy-in, support, and resources they need from senior managers, or finance.

Take a page from the playbook of thousands of experts and apply these six steps:

1. Ask why
Take your time here. Describe what the project is to deliver, and why this matters to those who can make or break it. For many projects, this includes senior management and finance.

2. Find your Yoda
With this newfound support, make the case to find a guide, someone who has done it before and builds confidence in others. You don’t always need them full-time, but you do need their wisdom.

3. Get people on the bus
Everyone needs a support network. A good team will help make the case for additional resources.

4. Make friends & keep them friendly
One in three failed projects lacks strong stakeholder engagement. Getting key influencers on side is one of the fastest ways to boost your chances.

5. Recognise your project is not unique
If you want more support from senior management, show them how others delivered similar projects and what resources they used. This will super charge your access to the people and support actually needed.

6. Look for tried & tested options
Humans are hardwired to commit to one choice. Resist this impulse. Compare alternatives to see your preferred option in a new light. Choosing what’s been tried and tested is one of the best ways to deliver on time and avoid complaints.