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Ten Tips For Project Perfection

June 11, 2010 | Author: PM Hut | Filed under: Project Management Best Practices

Ten Tips For Project Perfection
By Anita Simmonds

OK maybe ‘perfect’ is pushing it a bit, but relatively speaking the perfect project would be one that is delivered on time, on budget and to the correct design and quality. There is a widely flaunted statistic that 80% of projects fail - 80%! That’s unbelievable isn’t it?

Whether it’s true or not I don’t know, but it certainly isn’t a reality in my world. Let’s have a go at lessening the odds for you shall we - just to make sure.

I know that there are some key attributes to successful projects. Get these in place and up and running and you’re on your way. Here they are:

  1. Have a Method and Processes.

    Project management is both an art and a science. Where possible, you should aim to give structure to the project. I’m a firm believer that if you have a clear method that everyone understands, then you have more space in your head for creative problem solving. People like to know where they are with things, and they don’t have time to be working that out and deliver a project. So make it easy - give them a method - and processes within that method.

  2. Make Time to Plan

    Plan at the beginning, and throughout your project. Plan with other people and you will get some agreement over what needs to be done. Plan according to the needs of your project. Keep it simple, but in enough detail so that everyone is clear. Then write it down - and get it signed off.

  3. Work with Good People

    Good project teams are made up of great people with great (but different) skills and knowledge. Establish who you need who is good at finance, statistics, people skills, IT - whatever you may need to deliver the project. Get them involved as early as possible and they will help you shape a great project, and work with you throughout.

  4. Get the Right Tools for the Job

    Automate the process as far as possible. Utilise technology. Spreadsheets can be used to good effect for many projects, but there is also specialist software out there too. Web-based software enables more collaboration, enabling you to work together wherever you may be.

  5. The Answer Lies in Templates

    Templates are ace! Templates bring structure and credibility to your project, and once you’ve got them, you can use them again and again. Have a look on the internet - you’ll find stacks of great examples. Keep them simple - that’s the key.

  6. Communication and Engagement

    Projects are not delivered in an ivory tower. They involve people. People who can make or break your project. Identify who your stakeholders are as early as you can. Understand the impact and influence on the project, and have a good plan to manage that.

  7. Actively ‘Doing’ Proper Project Management

    Projects will not be delivered by themselves. We make things happen when we concentrate on them. Which means that clearly identifying the tasks, and agreeing who does them and by when is essential. Lack of ownership is a real issue, and you can’t do your checks and balances if you don’t know who’s doing what. Nor can you crack the whip when things are not manifesting as quick as they should - unless you have agreement on the ‘who’.

  8. Issue and Risk Management

    Assessing risks and issues and managing those risks and issues is absolutely crucial to the successful delivery of a project. But for some reason, this step is often either missed out completely or not done sufficiently enough. It’s a shame because this is actually an investment in your project and well worth taking the time to do. You should make risk and issue management both an activity and a process.

  9. Accountability

    People should be told what’s going on. They might just want to know or you might need them to know. And the people ‘doing’ the project should be responsible to someone. We work well when we are held accountable. And you demonstrate that through effective monitoring and reporting on progress. Keep it short and sweet - management by exception if possible.

  10. Get Results

    Ah yes - results. It’s kind of the point of a project isn’t it? But if most projects fail, then clearly they don’t deliver. When your project is wondering off track, get back to your planned deadlines, milestones and outputs to remind you why you are here. Focus is not a natural trait for many organisations - there are too many interdependencies and conflicting demands. Agree your priorities and stick to them.

So there you are. You won’t go far wrong using that as your checklist. In a nutshell, structure, tools, templates and a method. Doesn’t that make you feel calmer and more in control already? And if you think you have everything covered - chances are you have.

Anita Simmonds is the publisher of Instant Guru Guides, Transformation Tools and Ready Made Methods - all designed to give you productivity and success Know-How NOW! To rapidly grow your expertise in project management, go to http://www.instantprojectmanagement.com.

(c) Copyright 2010 - Anita Simmonds. All Rights Reserved Worldwide

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This entry was posted on Friday, June 11th, 2010 and is filed under Project Management Best Practices. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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