This is a tricky situation, but there are several approaches you can take in order to continue without significant setbacks:
- Identify the Knowledge Gap: Determine exactly where the expertise is lacking and evaluate how essential it is to the project's success and timeline.
- Bring in External Assistance: If the job involves specialized expertise, outsource to a consultant, freelancer, or contract expert. Or see if someone from another department can help.
- Upskill the Team Fast: If bringing in external assistance is not feasible, seek out rapid training materials (such as online tutorials) to get your staff up to speed. Ask them to look it up in online forums or communities if needed.
- Break the Work Down: Split the task into smaller, more manageable chunks. This way, other aspects of the project can continue working while the lacking expertise is solved.
- Adjust the Project Plan: Re-evaluate the timeline and re-prioritize the tasks. In case the knowledge gap is large, be honest with the stakeholders about possible delays.
- Use Tools on Hand: Search for available tools or templates that will streamline the work and minimize dependence on esoteric knowledge.
By acting quickly and strategically, you can keep the project moving forward without major delays.
