Project Management
6 Tips for Getting it Right
Have all the project details
Make sure that your project is based on solid foundation and that you are able to get all key stakeholders to buy into the success and results of the project. The adage failing to plan is planning to fail still holds true for project management. Proper planning takes a lot of organization, a careful attention to the details, and the close involvement of your team.
Here are some important project details that you should have in hand before you even start the project:
- Understand the interests and expectations of the stakeholders and be aware of how they will determine whether or not the project is successful.
- The project scope should be properly identified, including the roles and responsibilities of the various project team members.
- Ensure that the goals of the key elements are clearly defined and closely aligned.
- Establish measurable and trackable success criteria.
Focus on the final team outcome
In project management, it can be easy to go into analysis paralysis. When several people are handling and completing a project and taking charge of certain aspects of it, sometimes it can get difficult to stay focused on the final picture.
In the end, everyone’s work should come together cohesively. Ensure that everyone is able to set aside their for the successful congruency of the overall picture. It’s a lot easier to work together when everyone is focused on the final team outcome, and not on hogging the spotlight for themselves.
Set realistic expectations
Be certain that everyone on the team, including the client, understands the limitations of the project. A project can be successfully completed on time and within the budget, as long as everyone’s expectations are reasonable.
Remember that you are not capable of working miracles. This means that if expectations are not reasonable from the beginning, you are only setting yourself up for a world of failure. Don’t start your project with failure clearly predestined.
Identify requirements for project and team members
Assemble an effective project team. The project team is defined as a working unit of individual components, having a shared goal, reached through the systematic application of aggregate skills. Make sure that skill-sets align with required roles.
As a project manager, you’ll have to align the skills, talents and personalities of each team member with the appropriate project needs. Make sure that each individual working on the project is clear about their task and what they are providing upon completion. Remember that if you assign the wrong person to a task, you are reducing your chances of succeeding.
Have your team’s support
All of the technology in the world won’t make you an effective project manager if your team isn’t behind you. Earn your team’s trust by listening to them, especially when it comes to project risks and obstacles. You’ll make more informed decisions if you’ve got a firm handle on your team’s abilities.
Identify roles
Make sure each team member is clear on what is expected from them and when. Furthermore, be certain that your also understand your own role and your delegated authority. This will be dependent upon the kind of organization you’re operating under. You should also keep your key stakeholders and their level of influence in mind
The RACI model can help you with this. It is ideal for clarifying roles and responsibilities, especially when there are cross-functional processes. Here are the step when using this model:
- R: Who is responsible to do the work?
- A: Who is accountable for final decisions and ultimate ownership?
- C: Who is consulted before a decision or action is taken?
- I: Who is informed that the decision or action has been taken?
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