Are you new to project
management? Want to learn the basics of managing projects? Then read this.
You can manage any type of
project, by taking these 5 steps:
Step 1: Set the goals
The 1st step is to gather your
team together on site and set the goals. This means stating clearly what they
have to achieve, by when and how they are going to do it. At this meeting, you
need everyone on board, offering you their full support. Get them pumped and
ready for action!
Ask your customer to come to
the meeting and explain why the solution that the project will deliver is
critical to their business. Get your customer to explain why the timescales are
also important and the level of quality that must be achieved. Only with an
understanding of the solution, timescale and quality targets will the team
fully realize what it is that they have to achieve and be motivated by it.
Tip 2: Plan, plan, plan
The next step is to plan a
course of action to achieve your goals. Work with your entire team to identify
all of the major tasks that need to be completed. Estimate how long each task
will take and create your project schedule. Then assign resource to each task
so that everyone in the team knows what has to be done and by when.
Run the plan past your customer
to get their feedback. Only with a rock solid plan will the team have clear
direction going forward.
Tip 3: Measure, Monitor and Control
Then start measuring progress
against your plan and monitoring it weekly to ensure you're always on track.
You also need to control any
change requests. This is when someone requests changes to your scope or
deliverables. They might be a great idea at the time, but unless they are going
to save you time or money, then wherever possible try and park them and move
on. Changes to project scope often kill the best laid plans.
Tip 4: Communicate clearly
You know whether you're ahead,
on track or behind - but do your team? You need to keep them and your customer
properly informed, if you want their full buy-in and motivation.
Also, report your project
status to your customer weekly. Hold regular project status meetings with your
team to keep them informed of progress against the goalposts and what lies
ahead.
Tip 5: Work Smart
You have limited time and
resources to deliver your project, so you need to work smart. Manage your time
carefully. Use "To Do Lists" to prioritize your work. Limit the
number of meetings you have and keep telephone calls short. Only work on prioritized
tasks. If something arises that is non-critical then keeps a record of it and
move on.
Sent in by: PROMAL
ACADEMY LTD,
Samuel Temitayo
Amubieya,
MD, 09026854623
Samubieya@gmail.com
