Managing projects, people, and profitability isn’t getting easier—but smarter alignment across HR, delivery, and finance functions can make a big difference. A recent leadership roundtable by KEKA and SHRM brought together industry professionals to discuss what's holding teams back and what's needed to move forward.
Here are the five key lessons that came out of the session:
1. Spot problems before clients do. Often, clients notice delays before internal teams react. That’s usually because warning signs are stuck in silos. Teams need systems that help catch risks early.
Why it matters:
Prevents client dissatisfaction
Helps preserve delivery credibility
Allows timely internal course correction
2. Know who’s doing what. Many organizations struggle with workforce visibility. If people aren’t tracked properly, making smart decisions about hiring, assigning work, or evaluating performance is hard.
Why it matters:
Leads to inefficient talent allocation
Impacts strategic workforce planning
Undermines fair performance reviews
3. Keep sales and delivery on the same page. If the sales team promises more than delivery can handle, things fall apart fast. Strong coordination helps avoid last-minute pressure and lets teams work smoothly.
Why it matters:
Damages internal team dynamics
Risks client confidence
Reduces project margin and predictability
4. Look beyond billable hours. Billability is important for revenue but doesn’t always reflect real performance. Especially for junior team members, reviews should also focus on growth and contribution.
Why it matters:
Distorts employee development conversations
Masks true contributions
Limits understanding of profitability drivers
5. Use AI with care. AI can be a great support tool for prediction and personalization. But it works best when paired with thoughtful planning and human judgment.
Why it matters:
AI should amplify decision-making, not replace it.
Success depends on context and clarity
Human oversight ensures ethical, relevant use
These points remind us that strong project health depends on collaboration, clarity, and tools that truly fit how teams work.
These takeaways highlight a shared challenge across teams—making systems work for people, not the other way around. By improving visibility, coordination, and performance metrics, organizations can build healthier projects and stronger teams. Technology plays a key role, but human insight and alignment are what truly drive success.
Was this resource helpful?
Validate your HR expertise
Earning your SHRM-CP credential makes you a recognized expert and leader in the HR field.
Related Content
Learn how Marsh McLennan successfully boosts staff well-being with digital tools, improving productivity and work satisfaction for more than 20,000 employees.
The proliferation of artificial intelligence in the workplace, and the ensuing expected increase in productivity and efficiency, could help usher in the four-day workweek, some experts predict.
As artificial intelligence technology continues to develop, the demand for workers with the ability to work alongside and manage AI systems will increase. This means that workers who are not able to adapt and learn these new skills will be left behind in the job market.