What is the biggest project management mistake non PMs tend to make?

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Dana Brownlee Corporate Trainer| Professionalism Matters, Inc. Atlanta, Ga, United States

I'm conducting research for some upcoming articles on my Forbes.com site (Careers section). I'm a strong believer that project management isn't just for PMs and virtually everyone could benefit from PM skills and expertise. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the biggest mistakes project management mistakes that non PMs tend to make. What have you observed?

Posted: May 27, 2019 5:29 PM

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Antonio Louro Director Africa| Insight International Luanda, Luanda, Angola

The biggest mistake is to try and do something they are not qualified for! ask for professional help and learn with a proper PM. Next time they can try to do it! ;)

Posted: May 30, 2019 5:16 AM

Abolfazl Yousefi Darestani Manager, Quality and Continuous Improvement| Hörmann-TNR Industrial Doors Newmarket, Ontario, Canada

No/poor planning
bad documentation
no attention to lessons learned

Posted: May 30, 2019 7:57 AM

Ken Bradshaw Project Manager| CRA Surrey, British Columbia, Canada

The mistakes are usually from the start and compound from there. Missing full requirements, under-estimating cost, unrealistic timeline, lack of management support.

Posted: May 30, 2019 1:40 PM

Tim PM Project Manager| NHS Yes, United Kingdom

One further thing I just saw the other day, is where they manage in something ( in this case a new piece of bought-in software) but make no plans at all for its ongoing support. So users with problems call the service desk about it only to find out they have never even heard of the system.

Posted: May 31, 2019 4:50 AM

Daire Guiney Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

Not trusting your gut instinct about a person, situation or encounter. This is something that can not be taught but can only be learner through the experience of managing numerous projects through their lifecycle.

Posted: Jun 16, 2019 4:21 PM

Alan Connelly Program Manager| None Rowville, Victoria, Australia

Underestimate the resource, schedule and risks that can impact any activity and hence often tasks or project go over in terms of budget and schedule. The awareness of managing stake holders and communications is another area often left alone and comes back to block the project. And of course the original scoping activities.

Posted: Jun 16, 2019 8:19 PM