PMI®’s PMBOK® 8th edition states what has long been true in many organizations: the PM is responsible for creating value from project deliverables. So, an early task for the PM is defining effective measurement criteria. This Project Pointer has tips for defining measurements that show whether a project is delivering the value it’s supposed to.
Many people tend to raise problems without offering solutions. It’s important that problems are raised, even if solutions haven’t been identified. But it’s frustrating when someone consistently points out problems without proposing solutions, as if that is a job for someone else. In this video, Tatiana Kolovou provides a few approaches for handling this: encouraging collaboration with others, facilitating brainstorming with that person and others, and helping thinkers to transition to communicating and problem-solving. Listen in as Tatiana Kolovou explains how.
A good testing process identifies the types and causes of errors originating during development. Understanding the root cause of these errors can reduce errors in future projects. This Project Pointer identifies what to look for to reduce future errors.
As a project manager, you want to present your project in the best possible light. Understanding your audience is key. What are their needs or interests and why will your project address those? Short attention spans are reality, even with executives and decision-makes, so keep your presentation concise and focus on the key point. In one-on-one conversations, customize your message to fit what matters to that person. Tatiana Kolovou explains how to present a project effectively in this quick video.
Quality expectations drive the effort that the project team must commit to verifying project deliverables and outcomes. If you skip the conversation about quality standards, you’re just guessing what “good enough” means for the project. The discussion and documentation of quality standards connects stakeholder needs, project activities, and verification/testing effort in order to satisfy the project purpose. This Project Pointer provides some tips for managing a project with a quality standards mindset.
Difficult conversations, such as exploring resistance from project stakeholders, don’t have a quick solution. They aren’t single interactions. Persuasion and finding resolution require up-front preparation and ongoing effort. Research the situation and your audience to identify the potential pushback. Then, prepare your response with data and approaches to address concerns. Keep in mind, pushback isn’t negative; it’s a positive sign that your audience is actively considering your idea. Tatiana Kolovou explores how this is done.
Have you ever had someone pitch an impractical project idea? You see issues, but the idea hangs around like an overly friendly albatross. This Project Pointer provides some actions to take if you find yourself in this situation.
What is it about virtual meetings that make speakers expound at length? One aspect of good communication is getting a message across clearly, succinctly, and persuasively. That takes practice. Start by identifying the most important point you want to convey. Deliver a concise statement about it with conviction. Then, follow up with examples. And end by repeating that point in a way that tells the audience why it’s important to them. Watch this video for tips on getting your point across.
Some of the biggest project threats come from outside the business, from people and forces you can’t control. Here are some external risk areas that can catch even experienced project managers off guard.
I have a trip coming up, so project-managing a vacation has been on my mind. Planning is as important for vacations as for other types of projects. This Project Pointers article provides some tips for getting the most joy out of your vacation time.
