Marjorie AndersonDirector of Community| Product SchoolNewtown Square, Pa, United States
Imagine going about your normal workday. You attend a meeting and make a suggestion. Someone says, "That's a great idea! Why don't you lead that initiative?" and BAM! You're now the project manager. Okay, so maybe (and most likely) that is NOT how that happens. However, for those who initially found themselves as "accidental project managers," what resources helped you successfully execute your project without ever having managed one before? What advice do you have for others who find themselves in this situation? Saving Changes...
I believe that, after a deep breath... the main advice is to focus on the deliverables, trying to break them in more manageable and small parts to plan the efforts necessary, through the available resources and considering aspects like the time, costs, quality and stakeholders connected to the project.
Also, emphasizing the communication aspects, to achieve the stakeholders support since the start of the execution.
Saving Changes...
Gregory Brown PMPDirector, Enterprise Program Development| Cerner - Tiger InstituteColumbia, Mo, United States
Hmmm...Marjorie, I'd say you got it right the first time it does happen like that a lot with us accidental PMs.
For me my resources were PMI, a couple of books on project management, and a lot of time spent on search engines. I did have some luck in that I had taken a couple of acting classes, which I would recommend for anyone who gets to speak to lots of people. I had also had some time in sales that served me in helping to define what the customer/client needed/wanted and then figuring out how to help them get there. Finally I had some great coaches who I turned to on a regular basis to help me become better and better at my craft.
Thanks for asking! Saving Changes...
Joanna NewmanHead of Innovation and Transformation , Telecoms| VodafoneCholderton, United Kingdom
It does often start like that, so my advice would be to find a good mentor (they are invaluable); find a good professional association with great content (like PMI and projectmanagement.com) and don't be afraid to ask questions and learn more about it.
And echoing Vagner's comment - focus on your output. The best gantt chart is worthless if it doesn't deliver what's required....
Good luck and keep posting :-)
Joanna Saving Changes...
Marjorie AndersonDirector of Community| Product SchoolNewtown Square, Pa, United States
This is great information! I'm sure taking on such a task can also create some level of burnout when trying to leverage your every day tasks with your new role. How did you avoid that? If this presented a challenge for you, then how did you manage it? Saving Changes...
Danie de WaalExperienced Project Management Consultant| KPMG (Pty) LtdFerndale, South Africa
I think more people entered the profession by 'accident' rather than planned.
I agree with the advice that everyone else offered, and would also suggest that you consider the following:
1. Check is there is any project management methodology in your organization, and use that if there is;
2. See if you can find the files on similar previous initiatives in your organization that was successfully concluded, and use what worked well.
I am sure that after one taste of what we do, you will be hooked; so you can start preparing to become a professional project manager ! Saving Changes...
