Tips and Reminders for Project Managers

Here are some essential tips and reminders I have compiled for those new to project management or in case you need to refresh your memory.

• Project management has a definite beginning and end. It is not a continuous process.
• A plan is not a project, it is a tool.
• Thirty five per cent of projects are consumed in overheads and administration.
• Project failures will happen.
• Gain knowledge and understanding before starting a project.
• Projects must meet customer requirements, be under budget and on time.
• Always remember revision numbers and to check that all those involved in the project are using the same version of the plan.
• Know who's in the project environment and manage them.
• Projects need good communication. Ensure that a suitable communications infrastructure exists.
• Projects do not run without politics, so manage it.
• Analyse the impact each of the players in a project might have.
• Ask for the information you need to run a project effectively, e.g. a weekly breakdown of costs and hours.
• Keep the project momentum going.
• Monitor and control any risks.
• Ask how much money do I have, how much time and what deliverable is required.
• Know what you own. Personal success factors are, e.g. product fit for purpose and customer sign-off.
• Agree with the customer what the critical success factors are. These maybe just a few items from a long wish list. Deliver what the customer agrees to.
• Project Managers are rarely hands on, running projects is enough.
• Manage, minimise and control.
• If there is anything to do, do it.