Photo: Victor Iglesias, Stock.Xchng
You don’t wear armor or carry a sword and shield to work each day, but if you’re in the position of Project Manager there are daily battles you can expect to engage in–and need to win–for a successful outcome. Here are some common challenges in project management and helpful tactics you can use to defeat them.
Inadequate Project Management Software
If you are using Excel to manage your projects, you’ve already lost the war. Software like Excel and other desktop applications don’t allow for team collaboration. In a world where we need to access accurate information anywhere, anytime, a web-based solution is your best answer. All of your project data is centralized, changes are made in real-time, and everyone on your team with web access can view the most recent information. There are lots of choices out there for online project management tools, so be prepared to seriously invest time exploring which one will work best for your organization. Helpful hint: Choose one that has a mobile app!
Unrealistic Deadlines
Unfortunately, missing deadlines isn’t uncommon. Within any project there are several factors that can lead to schedule slippage. Expect it. Clients often want quality work done in a short time frame, and to compete in today’s fast-paced market the usual practice is to promise to deliver the goods better and faster than XYZ Company can. The simple solution would be to set lower expectations during the scoping process, but if this isn’t part of your responsibilities, your mission is to manage the stress that is sure to result from trying to meet tight deadlines while encountering typical project issues. Stay flexible, prioritize tasks, and keep the big picture in mindâknow what time and resources are allocated for every project in progress. Helpful hint: Don’t let the situation escalate into You vs. Them. Be the voice of reason. Communicate to your team any concerns about deadlines. This is an opportunity to join together, anticipate the possible problems, and develop creative solutions.
There’s No “I” in Team
But there is one in “intelligent.” A definite perk of working in a successful agency is the privilege of collaborating with a group of exceptionally smart and talented people. Everyone contributes 100% towards getting the job done. But while you all may share a common goal (completion of the project) you may also have very different ideas of what it takes to get to the finish line. Sometimes ideas will seem too much of a departure from the norm or risky. A team member’s working style may clash with your own. Don’t automatically give in to negative reactions to unusual approaches. Respect your co-workers’ skills and background. Your team members each possess strengths that are part of your organization’s success. Recognize that fact, appreciate it and communicate that you value their expertise! Helpful hint: The more attuned you are to your team’s various capabilities, the easier it is manage projects. You’ll know in what areas your team will shine and can easily gauge where there will be a need for outside resources.
Accept these customary challenges and you’ll be better prepared to earn your daily victories, not just for yourself but for your team as well.
The post Workday Warrior: Daily Challenges in Project Management appeared first on Tech B2B Marketing by McBru.
