Leading a project these days is a lot more complicated than ever before, as you have to deal with so many constraints, different people’s demands and a time-scale that is often shorter than you would like.

The upheaval associated with managing and leading new projects can cause much anxiety, so here are some check-points that should enable you to run your projects more smoothly:

1) Set Clear Objectives: Understanding exactly and specifically what you are trying to achieve is vital if the project is to be clear and precisely-driven. Simply saying “Improve Communications Between Remote Team Members” is not good enough. You need to specify what results you will see at the end of the project.

2) Gather Resources: Identifying the needs of stakeholders and bringing together the resources required to achieve the goals of those people is paramount to achieve the results you are looking for.

3) Organise the Project: Each person needs to be clear on what their role is, and building commitment from each project participant is vital to ensure success.

4) Project Member Ownership: Encouraging a sense of ownership in your project team will drive it forward and ensure timings are followed effectively.

5) Communications Plan: This helps you to establish links between the diverse groups of people who may be involved in the project. A good plan encourages participation and openness, and builds trust between project members and stakeholders.

6) Monitor Progress: Ensure everyone is clearly aware of deadlines and budgets. Be clear on what the process will be if they meet difficulties along the way. And as project leader, make sure you keep driving the project forward with timely and effective meetings to update on progress.

7) Keep the End in Mind: Keep an eye on the big picture, spot difficulties as they arise and manage the changes that the project will inevitably produce.

This short checklist should give you the confidence to drive the project forward effectively and get the end results that you had originally planned for.

Many thanks

Nick Hill

Training Director

MTD Management Training Course

(Image by David Castillo Dominici)

Click below for a:
Free email course “Improve your Management Skills”

Alright – here’s your chance to be a shining star. Your team has been handed its first project and you are now the sole project manager. How exciting!

Before you jump into planning every single detail, I want to remind you of a few simple things that will keep your project on task. There are four main features to any good project, and they are as follows:

• The project is completed on time;
• The project is completed within its planned budget;
• The strategy is strong; and
• The end result is of the highest quality possible.

As you being to plan your project you’ll want to keep each of these factors in mind. Doing so will enable you to create a sound plan, assigning the right employees to the right tasks while gathering all of the information you need in order to be successful.

All four of these key features are essential to the completion of your project. I guarantee upper management will not be impressed with a project that is turned in late or over budget – even if it is wildly successful.

Be diligent during the planning phases of your project and you’ll have no problem putting together a project that draws positive attention to your team!

Thanks again,
Sean

Sean McPheat
Managing Director
MTD Management Training Course

Click below for a:
Free email course “Improve your Management Skills”