Golden Rules of Project Management by James Hurst
Referred Link - http://www.girlsguidetopm.com/2015/06/50-quick-project-management-tips/
- There can never be enough communication – communicate, communicate, communicate.
- You ALWAYS need a plan (fail to plan, plan to fail).
- EVIDENCE, EVIDENCE, EVIDENCE – “CSI project management”.
- Project MANAGE, don’t Project DO = doomed!
- Never make any assumptions = project kryptonite.
- Always check, check and check again. People forget.
- Don’t be late. Set the example and keep to it.
- Be reflective, even when you know no one else is.
- Be wary of the grinning salesmen. Don’t trust them!
- Get real commitment (quote/dates) from third parties.
- Accept sometimes you can be wrong and admit it.
- The rule of 5 W’s – why, why, why, why and why.
- Any overspends need to be agreed upfront.
- Project methodology AGNOSTIC, best of breed.
- Type up minutes/actions as soon as possible post-meeting or forget.
- Book meetings at least 3 months in advance.
- Check ALL booked meetings, rooms and attendees.
- Remember the historic projects feedback.
- Exist somewhere between the Dance Floor and Balcony.
- Manage the Meeting – one person talking/watch the clock.
- Always make time to listen and empathise.
- Be prepared – “semper paratus”.
- Don’t waste time, a PM’s job is never finished.
- Don’t put it off until tomorrow, scissor tackle today!
- It is your job to HELP people deliver.
- “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.”
- Make sure you can find stuff when you need it or you’ll waste time later.
- You never stop learning.
- When you think you know it all, you are further away than you have ever been to it!
- Concentrate on the things that matter – rule of 80/20.
- Don’t forget to say ‘well done, thank you’ – it costs nothing, literally.
- Focus on the original objective. Don’t get distracted.
- NO surprises are allowed. NO black holes.
- Perfect is the enemy of good – Voltaire.
- Time spent on contracts is time well spent!
- Don’t underestimate the value of ‘the architect’ – BA role.
- Always check your Outlook reminders or you’ll get chased up!
- If you can keep your head while all about you are losing theirs – R Kipling.
- Trust yourself, your experience and project to date, to hold the course.
- Get confirmation on minutes/actions before meeting.
- “If you haven’t planned it, you can’t control it.”
- Keep your eyes on the prize/ball!
- Best case scenario does not exist.
- ‘The 411’ or just the facts – Who, what, where, when, how and why.
- Find out the WIIFM or whiff em – what’s in it for me.
- A task is not done until it’s done. Avoid 90% syndrome.
- If everything is under control, go up a gear.
- It’s easy to see, harder to foresee.
- Don’t be afraid or too proud to ask for help.
- A project manager is only as good as his/her team. Defer to their experience/skills.
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