As a part of your response to the known and unknown unknowns, there should also be awareness and understanding across the team that there may be situations that call for picking up slack or responsibilities throughout the process to stay on schedule. When everyone can anticipate the possibility of pinch-hitting, this can result in smoother transitions when necessary.

One thing is certain: there will be uncertainty involved in your project. And while some situations will be more predictable than others, there can always becertainty around how you will respond. Learn how to build a team dynamic that can withstand any unknown by getting a copy of my latest book, How Teams Triumph: Managing by Commitment or tuning into my podcast The Conversation with Clinton M. Padgett.