Smooth Projects... Effective Project Management!
Project Management Software Articles
Project Management Software
How NOT to be an Effective Project Manager
Just
as there are plenty of things that a good project manager does to make
the project run more smoothly and ultimately end in success, there are
some things that a project manager (or his or her company) can do that
effectively sabotages the project and can lead to failure.
Provide no authority,
The worst thing a company or firm can do to a project is to give the
project manager no real authority. In order to practice effective
project management, a leader needs to be able to acquire the people,
tools, and resources (including good project management software) to
make the project a success. She or he should also have the authority to
replace ineffective team members and negotiate contracts with outside
contributors.
Ambiguity in communication,
Without clearly defined objectives, roles, and assignments, a project
will fall pretty flat. A project manager needs to clearly communicate
what is expected, and convey the scope of the project to team members
as well as his or her superiors. An environment of open communication
should be encouraged, and the project manager should be available to
answer questions. Goals should be give to all members of the team, and
the project’s objectives should be clearly stated.
“Jump right in,”
While enthusiasm is a good quality, beginning heedlessly without a real
plan or necessary authorizations and approvals can cause problems.
Effective project management requires a plan of action, as well as
defined objectives. It also requires that a solid staff be formed.
While it may take a few extra days to get organized, in the long run
time is saved by proper planning and making sure everything is
authorized beforehand.
Add additional considerations partway through the project,
When a company or a project manager adds expectations or changes the
end result partway through the project, real problems can arise. While
minor tweaking or changes throughout can be expected, adding new
stakeholders who will give opinions and change expectations or adding a
whole new group of objectives are sure ways to sink the project. Adding
all of these extras without additional funding only hastens the chance
of demise and ultimate failure.
Pestering team members needlessly,
If a project manager has assembled a team of reliable and knowledgeable
people, there should be no reason to continually interrupt or pester
members. Additionally, calling endless meetings and requesting
voluminous reports wastes time and frustrates team members. Requesting
a short synopsis of where team members are at weekly or bi-weekly is
enough, as is monitoring performance and being available to help when
needed or answer questions or clarify. Project managers should also run
interference against their bosses who try to get in and micromanage.
Don’t prioritize,
If a project manager does not know what is more important and when it
is important, then problems can arise as ambiguity sets in.
Additionally, one deadline might be missed while the team is
concentrating on something that is not as important. Project management
software can help project managers keep track of schedules and
understand priorities.
By avoiding these common mistakes, the management of a project can go
much more smoothly and contribute to the overall success of a project.
Article by Remedysoft, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
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