Dos and Don’ts of Project Management
Project success is achieved when the project manager sets clear, achievable goals for the team.
Projects that work best have one goal: making sure everyone contributes to achieving project goals — regardless of whether it’s developing new software or launching a comprehensive marketing campaign.
Below are the three “DO’s” to ensure success and three “DON’Ts” that can turn even relatively simple projects into costly, enduring disasters and must be avoided.
Project Management DO’s
1. Do Involve the Project Management Team in the Planning Phase
It’s not uncommon for project managers to struggle when they don’t involve the team during the planning phase. . Often, the project experiences budget overruns and missed deadlines because they don’t engage the team members adequately during project planning.
The best way for a project manager is to communicate effectively, make decisions without bias or judgment but keeping in mind what’s good for the project. .
2. Do Clarify and Confirm Expectations
To achieve team success, it is vital that everyone understands their role and what’s expected from them.
“Everyone” in this sense doesn’t just mean individuals who are formally attached to the project — it also includes those working on other teams or departments as well as external stakeholders. Below are some tips to effectively manage expectations include:
● Confirm everything
● Communicate in context
● Limit the number of status meetings (and then limit them some more)
● Use team project management tools to make communication easy and efficient (more on this in the next DO).
3. Do Use the Right Team Project Management Software
The right team project management software can maximize productivity, increase visibility, meet goals to deliver an exceptional product or service efficiently, and deliver against the set goals.
The key project management software features include seamlessly integrating resources and collaboration needs. , centralizes document management, and supports audit trail of events. In addition, such a software allows personalized dashboards and analytics.
Team Project Management DON’Ts
1. Don’t Try and Control Everything and Everyone
There is a big difference between the strong and the stifling when it comes to managing projects.
The former pays attention to effective leadership through planning communications with others while grasping that project managers aren’t expected to handle everything themselves; instead, they rely on their team’s strengths for success.
A culture of micromanagement can take a toll on employee engagement and become counterproductive.
Building relationships with your coworkers early on is important because you want to form invaluable bonds that facilitate project success. . Don’t make the mistake of focusing only on tasks at hand — instead, invest some time into the relationship dimension of leadership. .
2. Don’t Ignore Under-Achievers
Be understanding of the reasons behind their lack of performance. Address problems one-on-one and use specific examples to communicate how it’s hurting you as a team member or employee, but also don’t be accusatory or hostile towards them; approach conversations with empathy and authenticity so they know we’re on their side.
3. Don’t Overlook Small Wins
Small gestures can make a big impact. Project managers should be aware of this principle and find ways to recognize people in the workplace for their achievements, even if it means just putting up some text on your computer screen or stickies around.
By supporting progress during meaningful work hours [which is achieved by celebrating small wins], organizations improve employee morale and boost company performance.
