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Effective Project Management: Five Laws that Determine Success
2009
Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. So said Albert Einstein. Yet every year countless projects hit trouble for the same reasons, again and again. Why? Because the fundamental principles that determine project success are not being respected. These principles can be distilled into five laws, realities that always hold true irrespective of the nature or complexity of project. Here they are:
Law #1: Ambiguity Kills Projects
Ambiguity is the enemy of project success. Clarity is what is needed.
Without clarity there is confusion. Confusion is not hard to find in projects. Look for ambiguities in roles and responsibilities, goals, objectives, requirements, scope, estimates, status reports and more. Each ambiguity is a potential source of conflict, rework and failure.
Make it a priority to seek out and remove ambiguity from every element of your project. Thoroughly. Start by reviewing project scope. Is this as unambiguous as possible? Is everyone clear on what is in scope and what is out of scope? Do not rely on assumptions or memory. Insist on clear communication. Document every important decision. Clarity is everything.
Law #2: Credibility Requires Detail
Detail is the basis for accuracy in all projects. Plans that lack detail cannot be believed.
Most projects are underplanned. They are already late before they start. Project teams that claim not to have time for detailed planning, typically end up working all hours to meet deadlines. Insufficient detail in the plan means time and effort requirements will be underestimated. Only when we get to the detail is the full extent of work revealed.
If you do not know the detail then you will not have credibility in front of your team or your boss. Define what completion specifically means for each task and deliverable. If it is at too high a level, break it down. Avoid surprises. Get to the detail.
Law #3: No Truth, No Trust
Projects are performed by people. And people work together best when there is mutual trust.
But trust does not come free. It is tied to truth. You cannot have one without the other. So trust but verify. Assigning tasks demonstrates trust, but what are sometimes missing are the accountability for results and adequate checks to verify status. Without ownership and truth, we cannot trust ourselves to be focused on the right things.
When you know the truth, good or bad, recognise it, openly. Be honest about the challenges ahead. Reward outstanding commitment and performance. Acknowledge the reality of delays and tough decisions. Do not hide bad news. Tell the truth or face the consequences.
Law #4: Uncertainty is Certain
Plans are not crystal balls. Plans are incomplete views of the future, which means they are at least slightly wrong.
Most project managers ignore most risks. Yet as sure as the sunrise, sudden events and changes will occur, triggering changes to the plan. But sudden does not necessarily mean unpredictable. Experience and a little insight will always expose risks that we can plan ahead for.
Ignoring project risks is the first and biggest risk to the project. There is no such thing as a risk free project. Prevent risks where you can and have contingencies ready where you cannot. Expect the unexpected!
Law #5: Satisfaction is not Guaranteed
Projects do not carry guarantees, whatever the customer was told. Satisfaction depends on competence, commitment and communication.
Respecting all the preceding laws will count for nothing if this trio is lacking. Project management is a discipline that has to be worked at. Learn as much as you can on each project, then use that knowledge to energise yourself and others on the next project.
Communicate with focus and sensitivity, to align the varying interests of stakeholders and team with the needs of the project, repeatedly, throughout the ups and downs of its life. This is no simple task! So if you want to be a great project manager then you will need to be an outstanding communicator. Period.
Stop the Insanity!
I do not claim that observing these five laws alone are a panacea for all project ills. But they are the strongest forces for shaping success or failure on most projects, most of the time. Stop the insanity. Respect the laws!
Howard Vaughan is an accomplished project management consultant, trainer, coach and speaker. He has created and delivered high impact solutions for dozens of companies seeking excellence in project planning and execution worldwide. Find out more and reach Howard through his website at www.howardvaughan.com 
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Your age is not the issue, nor is the lack of respect from others your issue it is their issue. Can I suggest you focus on the things you can control. You have control over your demeanour, how you behave, how you present information and how much knowledge you have. These are the things that will gain you respect - in particular how you relate to, interact with and build relationships with people.
I would like to suggest you try to identify at least one, influential old timer you can build a relationship with, develop a way to work together where you share your combined knowledge and he/she becomes a mentor. Others will see this and understand you are not coming across as a 'know all'. That you are open to learning from the experiences of others.
It is likely this advice is to late to be useful to you, though it might be useful for other projects. I hope it all went well for you.
John Coxon
www.johncoxon.com.au
john@johncoxon.com.au
Facebook: johncoxon1
Twitter: john_coxon
I definetly agree with your views. However, how does one prepare for lack of respect because of age. Im 27 years old and got a job as a PM in a highly prestigious organization. Unfortunately, I look a bit young even for my age and every body else I am working with is at least 20 years my senior. the look on their faces when i step in the room says it all " would you like a barbie to play with,little girl?" How do i not let this get to me?
Agree w/you on all 5 accounts. I took a stab at boiling it down to a more basic level a little while ago. Would love your thoughts.
http://pm2pm.blogspot.com/2009/02/best-predictor-of-project-outcome.html