TIL: Random Thoughts

 

I have a list of things I’ve learned over my years as a PM in a few industries. These little nuggets have been more meaningful than most of the formal training or reading I’ve experienced.

• Being a PM is basically parenting. You have to make sure your team gets their work done and turned in on time, but you also have to support mental health. Occasionally, you also have to remind the team to eat something.
• Every day is a new adventure, but some adventures can suck a lot.
• Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Even a project that seems familiar will include something surprising and new – sometimes the surprise is good, sometimes not so good.
• Projects = change. If nothing changes, why are you doing this project?
• A huge chunk of the job is as an interpreter – turning technical-speak into business-speak to keep everyone on the same page.
• People will look to you as an expert in time management… so get good at it.
• Teams run on snacks – donuts help them work faster.
• If your team is working, you’re working. Don’t ditch them on those late nights during crunch time.
• Keep a stash of tissues and bandaids around. Most people don’t think of it, but they expect you to have them.
• Post-its are your friends.
• Stage management is project management. Every production is a project with a deadline at 8pm opening night – the curtain is going up and the audience is watching, so hopefully you have a set, prepared cast, lights, audio, props, and costumes ready to go!
• Schedule meetings at consistent times and give your team blocks of time to work. They’ll appreciate it, and you’ll reap the benefits.

I’m looking forward to what I’ll learn tomorrow.