Key steps to project management success
Project management can be difficult, but by keeping some key concepts in mind you can deliver a successful project that meets the client’s objectives.
Good project management is crucial to business success, but the job of a project manager is not always straightforward. However, by following a few key concepts you can ensure that your projects are delivered on brief, on time and on budget.
Follow a brief
Before you start any project, it’s important to first ensure that you fully understand the project requirements. Work with the client to create a comprehensive project that details the objectives and scope of the project, along with KPIs and key milestones. This brief should also include information on the budget and resources needed to successfully complete the project. Putting all this down in writing from the start will enable you to plan more effectively and will minimise the risk of any unwelcome surprises derailing the project.
Have a plan
Failing to plan means planning to fail, or so the saying goes – and this is especially true when it comes to project management. In order to succeed, your project needs a detailed plan for delivery, and this should be created in partnership with your project team to ensure that it covers all bases. However, you need to keep in mind that project management can be unpredictable, so make sure your plan is flexible enough to adapt to any changing circumstances.
Get the right people on board
Getting the right people on board is key to the success of any project, so it’s important to put some careful thought into the make-up of your project management team. Try and get a good mix of people whose skills and abilities match the requirements of the project – but don’t go too large. Smaller teams operate more efficiently and tend to get better results, so try and keep yours to a manageable size – ideally no more than ten people.
Communicate
As with any area of business, good communication is critical for effective project management, so be sure to maintain clear lines of communication with clients, stakeholders and the project team. Make the time to hold regular catch-up meetings where you can discuss the status of the project, check progress against milestones and identify any potential issues before they get out of hand. To avoid meetings that drag on forever, concentrate on the most relevant and urgent information and avoid getting bogged down in too much detail.
Let technology take the strain
Project management can be stressful, so take advantage of the tools that are out there and let technology make your life a little bit easier. From resource management tools to workflow automation processes and video conferencing software, there are some great resources out there that can support project management, helping you to work more efficiently and more effectively.
Be flexible
The business world has changed dramatically in recent years, and traditional project management practices can seem inflexible and outdated. In the world of modern project management, circumstances can change quickly, so you need to be flexible and agile enough to adapt to the changes and deliver a great result for your client.
Preparation is key to successful project management, and with careful planning, the right attitude, and a good team onboard, you can deliver a project that successfully meets its goals.
