Whether you are new to the field or have been around for years, project management can be overwhelming. There are countless methodologies, certifications, forms, templates, reports, and tools, among many other pieces. The truth is, there is no one size fits all approach but one certainty is that success in project management is by design. The tips listed below will help guide you to success while managing projects regardless of what approach your organization utilizes.

  1. Communicate and Engage

    Communicate early, often, and in a meaningful way. Whether collaborating with your project team, executive management, or other influencers in your organization, successful project management relies heavily on strong communication. Keep your communication clear and transparent and never underestimate the benefit of active listening in project management. Consider your outgoing communications in the following ways: 

    • What will the team do? (benefits to achieve, project charters)
    • What is the team doing? (tasks, status updates, milestones, issues, key decisions)
    • What did the team do? (celebrate success)
  2. Clearly Establish and Focus on Benefits

    While the three pillars of project management are the baseline for measuring project success (On Time, On Budget, In Scope) there is a growing trend in project management toward Benefits Realization Management (BRM). The benefits we hope to obtain from a project are the reason for the undertaking. Circumstances often change and keeping the benefits at the forefront of the project can help the team stay flexible or agile to make the most appropriate project decisions for success.

  3. Empower Your Team with Meaningful Roles and Responsibilities

    Everyone has a job, every job is important. Every team member knows their role and impact on a successful team – projects are no different. Every team member should have a meaningful role and that role should have clear responsibilities that contribute to the success of the project.

  4. Be Prepared

    Being prepared to lead meetings, answer questions, resolve issues, and preparing for success can have a positive impact on your team and their productivity. Your ability to be prepared shows you respect their valuable time and efforts.

  5. Say “Thank You”

    In the complex world of project management it is often easy to lose sight of the people behind the project. Never underestimate the power of saying “Thank You”.