FAQs

1. How do I know if my project is stuck?

Your project is stuck if deadlines keep getting pushed back, the same problems surface in every status meeting, or progress has stalled for more than a few weeks.

Common signs include:

  • Uncontrolled scope creep with constant "quick adds"

  • Team confusion about priorities or next steps

  • Misalignment where everyone agreed but built different things

  • Declining stakeholder confidence

  • Budget overruns with no clear path to completion

If your gut tells you something's fundamentally wrong, it's time to get help.

2. What are the most common reasons projects get stuck?

Projects typically get stuck due to five recurring patterns:

  1. Uncontrolled scope creep - "Quick adds" compound until nobody remembers the original goal

  2. Misaligned stakeholders - Everyone nods in agreement, then builds different things

  3. Hidden blockers - Gatekeepers, bureaucratic processes, or unknown dependencies that surface under pressure

  4. Unrealistic schedules - Timelines set by leadership before consulting people doing the actual work

  5. Unclear authority - Decisions get overturned by whoever wasn't in the room, or nobody can make decisions at all

Often, it's a combination of several factors that compound over time.

3. What does Leitwolf do to unstick projects?

We identify root causes through rapid assessment, then implement fixes that address the actual problem - not just symptoms.

Our approach includes:

  • Bringing objective outside perspective without internal political constraints

  • Implementing constraint-based processes that make the right decisions the default

  • Filling critical skill gaps and cutting through organizational confusion

  • Re-establishing clear authority and realistic timelines

  • Working alongside your team to transfer knowledge while driving results

We can be more direct and honest about real problems because we're not invested in internal politics or outcomes the same way your team is.

4. How long does it take to get a stuck project back on track?

Most clients see meaningful progress within 2-4 weeks. Complete turnaround typically takes a few months depending on complexity.

Our process focuses on:

  • Quick wins in the first 2-4 weeks to rebuild momentum and confidence

  • Addressing underlying issues simultaneously

  • Transferring knowledge so improvements stick after we leave

Timeline depends on severity, but identifying root causes fast means you can address problems before they become crises.

5. What types of projects has Leitwolf successfully unstuck?

We've successfully unstuck:

  • System integrations and software implementations

  • Digital transformations and technology migrations

  • Process improvements and infrastructure projects

  • Tools for special forces operators requiring flawless performance under pressure

Projects span both commercial and government sectors. The common thread is complex challenges where technical expertise, clear processes, and honest communication make the difference between success and failure.

6. What industries does Leitwolf work with?

We work with clients across multiple sectors including:

  • Government and defense

  • Healthcare

  • Manufacturing

  • Professional services

With over 20 years of experience in high-stakes environments, we adapt quickly to different industries. What matters most is whether you have a complex project that needs expert technical leadership to get unstuck and stay on track.

7. How quickly can Leitwolf start working on my stuck project?

We typically begin initial assessment within days of first contact.

Why speed matters:

  • Stuck projects cost money every day they remain stalled

  • Team morale and customer trust deteriorate rapidly

  • The longer problems persist, the harder they are to fix

Our small, experienced team mobilizes quickly without bureaucratic delays. We understand urgency and respond accordingly.

8. Do you offer a project assessment before committing?

Yes. We start with a focused assessment to:

  • Understand what's stuck and why

  • Identify the path forward

  • Determine if we're the right fit

  • Provide clarity before larger commitment

This gives you a realistic view of what it takes to get unstuck with no pressure or hard sell - just an honest conversation about what's actually happening.

9. Can Leitwolf help prevent projects from getting stuck in the first place?

Yes. Prevention is easier and cheaper than rescue.

Preventive services include:

  • Embedding with teams during critical project phases

  • Establishing processes that surface problems early instead of hiding them

  • Implementing constraint-based decision-making

  • Validating architectures and approaches before major investment

  • Providing technical oversight and mentorship

The best projects have clear processes, honest communication, and teams empowered to make decisions - not necessarily the smartest people or biggest budgets.

10. When should I consider hiring a consultant (like Leitwolf) vs. trying to fix the project internally?

Hire outside help when:

  • Internal fixes haven't produced progress

  • You need specific technical expertise your team lacks

  • You need objective perspective without internal political constraints

  • Organizational politics are blocking progress

  • You need someone who can be direct about real problems

The key advantage: outside consultants aren't invested in internal politics or protecting turf. We can identify and address issues your team may already know but can't act on. Sometimes an experienced outside voice can say what needs to be said without career consequences.