How to manage projects successfully

 

Managing a project can be daunting and stressful.  Keeping organized and on track can seem hard and can even cause you to procrastinate and end up having to rush to get your project across the finish line on time. It doesn't have to be this way! In fact, project management can be fun and rewarding.  Here are some tips to help keep your projects on time and your stress in check!

Have a clearly defined SMART goal

Do you know what you're setting out to achieve?  Make sure that you are able to clearly state what your end goal is.  It should be as specific as possible, be measurable, actionable, relevant and time bound. This is called a SMART goal.   SMART goals help you identify the key components of what you're working towards and identify what resources and help you will need to achieve your goals.

Identify what resources you have access to

As you prepare to create a project plan, you'll need to identify what resources you'll have available to you.  Think about what you'll need to achieve and what tools, people, money, etc.. you'll need to achieve your goals.  Remember that some tools or people may be better at certain tasks, so be sure to consider that when putting your list together.

Create a project plan

Once you've identified the key goals for your project and what resources you'll have access to, you'll now want to create a comprehensive project plan.  This plan should identify the key goals of the project. What resources and people will be involved, what the project timeline and key milestones are and how the project success will be measured. 

Communicate with the team

Setup a regular communication cadence with your project team. You'll use these meetings to dig into the details of the project such as what challenges your team is running into how they are progressing toward the key milestones. Be sure to document all of these meetings.

Document everything!

Be sure that you are documenting all meetings and aspects of your project. We recommend a cloud based solution like Microsoft Planner, but any place that your entire team can access will work.  You'll be glad that you are keeping these records.  No matter how good you think your memory is, it's easy to let minor details slip past.  Keeping everything documented ensures this can't happen.

Also be sure to note any changes in the strategy, resources or milestones. This can help you see where adjustments to your project plan need to be made to ensure that you keep on track.

Keep tabs on the progress

As you work through the project be sure to track progress toward your goals.  Keep detailed records of how each minor project progresses and how it is impacting your timelines.  Make sure to keep in touch with all stakeholders to be sure you have the insights available to make necessary adjustments to your smart goals and project timeline.

Delegate effectively

Not everything has to be a one person show.  When you are assigning tasks within your project or as they come up throughout, be sure to consider the strengths and talents of your project team and assign those projects accordingly.  When you have team members assigned to projects that match your talents, you will have more effective and timely execution of all project tasks and have the best likelihood of meeting your project goals and timeline. 

Follow-up and appreciate

Regularly follow-up with your project team, stakeholders and anyone else that is involved.  Be sure to understand where they are at in the project from both a performance and emotional state. Also, be sure to show that you are grateful to your project team for their efforts.  Your sincere appreciation will help to create a work environment where the team feels intrinsically motivated to do their best work.

Wrap-Up

Managing a project is a complex process with many parts that must all work in harmony.  Like the conductor of an orchestra, you must keep all of the players moving in the right direction at the right team to achieve your goals.  Your organization and communication skills are key to your success.

We want to hear about the projects you've managed!  What kind of strategies helped keep you on tasks and get across the finish line? Any pitfalls you've found that should be avoided?  Tell us below.