You've read a PM book. You've taken an introductory course. Your PMP is firmly in hand. What's next? The challenge for project managers at this point is that there isn't a really good answer. In fact, there isn't really any one answer. The most honest and truthful answer is probably, "It depends." But what, exactly, does it depend on?
With the volume of information that we have to deal with, we need effective filters in order to manage our personal project management process. So how do we determine our priorities, and how do we apply them?
What do you do when you’re unnoticed but your important project has needs? It’s all on you at this point, so you look for ways to promote your project to senior management so you can get the things you need. Here are three things to try.
A key component to project success is the project manager’s ability to facilitate diverse groups toward discovery or consensus decision making through effective meeting management. Keep these tips in mind to keep your audience engaged.
Management philosophy believes that what is measured gets managed. Hence, metrics suggest whether the process is in order or needs external interference. They form the basis of control in any organization. Learn more about the key features of effective metrics.
Problem solving is an essential skill to handle the issues project managers encounter on a daily basis. Effective problem solving circles around the people element—how you relate and interact with people has a major impact on how effectively and how quickly you can solve problems.
Collaboration requires two essential elements: strong project communications, and appropriate technology enablers. Focus on these, and your stakeholders and project team will collaborate their way to success.
In order to work remotely—whether you are in a different office, at home or on the beach—you need to be able to communicate effectively with the rest of the team.
To achieve the best results, a project manager needs a steering committee functioning in a supportive and effective manner. You are the captain of the ship but some of the steering committee members may enjoy watching you “walk on the plank,” as if they want to throw you out to the sharks. Sound familiar? Here are some tips and techniques that may help the next time you encounter this situation.
Some say leaders are born, not made. Perhaps, but teams are not born so therefore have to be made. But more often than not, project managers don’t get to choose their team or team members. Given this reality, how do we make the most of our teaming opportunities? This paper offers ideas on the dynamics of effective teams and team building, focusing on the characteristics of successful teams.
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"Once, during prohibition, I was forced to live for days on nothing but food and water." - W. C. Fields |
