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5 Tips for Effective Management of Projects
As a manager or leader, chances are that you will have to manage one or more projects. These projects could range from a small scale internal project to a significant change project. So how can you become more effective at managing projects?
Tip 1: Set clear goals
Projects are often established in response to a particular challenge or may be in response to a particular new development. Whatever the reason for setting up a project, make sure goals are clear.
Tip 2: Develop clear plans
You would not set out to make a trip without some form of plan. So why would you try to complete a project without clear plans. Make sure that for every project, no matter how small or large, you have clear project plans.
Tip 3: Set milestones
Milestones are stepping stones along the way which allow you to track progress towards completion. Using our analogy of the trip, you would need to research travel options, possibly book flights, arrange accommodation, pack your suitcase to name just a few. These are all milestones along the way to a successful trip.
Tip 4: Review regularly and act
All projects have review processes but one difference between those that succeed and those that don’t is that action is taken when things are off course. They also follow up to make sure that the actions are taken.
Tip 5: Keep project reporting simple
Have you ever received project reports in the form of huge spreadsheets? While this level of documentation is essential at a project office level, those at a higher level need high level reports on the critical areas.
70% of projects fail to deliver the benefits anticipated at the outset. By taking some simple but highly effective steps, you can greatly increase the likelihood of creating and delivering successful and sustainable projects.
About the Author Duncan Brodie
Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.