Set Up Checkpoints

  ProjectsAtWork  

One of the biggest mistakes project managers make is waiting to check in on team members until an action or deliverable is due. Although the pitfall seems obvious — waiting until a due date does not leave time for problem solving — it is surprising how many people stumble into it. One explanation is that they’re afraid of communicating a lack of trust in the other person’s ability — or of being labeled a micro-manager.  

The simple solution is to establish periodic progress checkpoints before the due date. The frequency of the checkpoints will depend on the difficulty of the task and the experience of the person. This technique simultaneously solves both problems: the implied lack of trust and the micro-managing.

Agreeing on checkpoints with team members makes follow-up and progress checks a shared and mutually endorsed activity. The check-ins are now part of the project management. They also provide opportunities to help if there is a problem and to recognize and reinforce behavior when things are going well. 

In addition, because you’ve outlined the milestones you are comfortable with and built in time to get things back on track if you discover a problem, you don’t have to give in to the temptation to make spontaneous or surprise visits or to call when you get nervous about whether the project is on …

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