Managing the Unforeseen Risk: The COVID-19 ‘Lockdown’ and the SSTeMM Project

In this chapter, using as an example, a project—SSTeMM—that took place during the COVID-19 pandemic ‘lockdown’, we explore how to manage unforeseen challenges. We highlight, based on our experience, that such challenges can in fact enhance team unity, boost morale and ensure the continued progress of the project. We conclude by highlighting that our experience underscored the importance of communicating empathetically and providing open mutual and regular interpersonal support when amid a crisis.