Getting Thrown under the bus

In the course of human events as a project manager there will be a time.  Yes that dreaded time.   When regardless of what you do, you can NOT keep your project from going sideways.   And you might as well put "It's my fault" on your forehead.   Because you are going down.   Why is this?  Because it's always the PM's fault.   If the network has an issue, its the PM's fault.  If there is a bug in the code, it's the PM's fault.  If the project is over budget its the PM's fault.  If its over schedule, its the PM's fault.  If its under staffed, it's the PM's fault.  Lets face it.  Paint a target on your forehead because you my friend are going down.

How do you get around this?   You have to do your best to move past this point as quickly as possible.  Sometimes that remote install will require you to be on site.  If your code didn't go in correctly perhaps you need to be the one that helps out with testing.   Go the extra mile.   Push past the problem.   

Here are some tips

1. Keep in good relations with your boss.   Make him aware of your project status at all time.   Communicate with them on a personal level.
2. Keep your skills up to date - PM certification is key
3. Keep in good relations with your team.  Don't take anyone else down because of your misfortune.  
4. Sometime you need to fall on your sword.   If its your fault, its your fault.  
5. Stay up to date with job boards.  It does a lot of things for you.  What skills are people looking for?   What is the market doing right now?  Find out when you need to stay in your position and when you need to go because you might be in the market in the near future.
6. Over communicate after this happens.   For ex: We missed our deployment date but we are working on a solution and I will be back in contact as soon as I know the new dates.

Remember, IT groups are built on relationships.   Don't shoot the guy who could fix the problem for you.