by Phillip Smith
Last week we talked about the dirty job of project management, and how the complexities involved in leading teams and implementing IT projects often make the PM’s job even messier than Mike Rowe on a sweeps week episode of Dirty Jobs.
Luckily for us, there are three tried and true guidelines for cleaning up even the messiest project—or even better, keeping it in check before things get out of hand. Here they are:
- Stabilize requirements and schedules
- Set up repeatable processes and tasks
- Allow team members to develop specialized skills that can be called on as needed.
1. Stabilize requirements and schedules
Stabilizing the requirements and the schedule is about managing the stakeholders. It’s an art form that requires patience and understanding, and the good sense for compromise and protection of the project team. If you lose too many battles here, the project may be successful, but you won’t have a team left to execute the next project.
2. Set up repeatable processes and tasks
Setting up repeatable processes and tasks is all about maturing the project team. While every project is unique, the execution is not. For example, there is always a design document. Use the same template every time. Use a reliable review process with team members who have the right knowledge. Hold the design to a high quality standard, schedule enough time into the plan to do it right, and execute this way on every project so that all team members understand the expectation. Continue reading