Project owners have a lot of skin in the game to get things done. Many times they are self-motivated, but other times, they do not seem to have a sense of urgency to get things done. Here are some ways you can help create a sense of urgency so that the project remains on task and on schedule.
Tag Archives: PM Role
Five Tips for Better Risk Management
Active risk management is an important part of your role as a project manager. So keep your eye on the project charter and create a safe environment for your team members to come to you early and often if they see any risks to success. Here are some tips to help you manage risks like a pro!
Managing Your and Others’ To Do Lists
I find myself surrounded by lists — to do lists, grocery lists, packing lists, invite lists. As my to do lists get longer and longer, I sometimes feel a bit overwhelmed — not knowing where to start and/or not feeling like I have made a dent in anything. Read on to learn about my very basic steps to developing and managing your lists!
Learning to Speak Up
If you do not speak up as much as you would like to at work, you may need to step outside your comfort zone as a project manager to help your team and your leaders be as productive as possible. Here is my story of going from a shy newbie to a strong contributor to team discussions.
Defining Your Role as the Project Manager
More than once, I have sat down with project or workstream leaders, ready to talk about what they need to do to get the project from start to finish, and the team member stares at me blankly and expects me to know all of the answers. Here are some tips you can use to clarify your role as the project manager and make sure everyone is clear on who owns what.
Asking Basic Questions to Become More Effective
If you are assigned to a project where the subject matter is totally new, to truly be an effective project manager, you need to rewind the conversation and ask your team some really basic questions. As Michael Scott said, “Why don’t you explain this to me like I’m five?”
Five Questions to Ask Your Project Sponsor
The project sponsor is one of the most important stakeholders you will have on any given project. Here are five questions you can ask the sponsor to help build your relationship with her and ultimately deliver a successful project.
The Art of Interrupting
Your role as a project manager is to keep everyone on task in meetings and just in general as you move toward your goals. So it should actually be expected that you will need to (politely) interrupt people from time to time. Read on to see tips on how you can master the art of interrupting!
Facilitating a Lessons Learned Session
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A lessons learned session is a must-do at the end of most projects. There is really nothing better than voicing the good, the bad, and the ugly about a given project for everyone to hear, acknowledge, understand, and take action on. Otherwise, innovations and successes will be forgotten and mistakes will be repeated.
Leaving Your Job Without Jeopardizing Project Outcomes
As new career opportunities arise, organizing your current work into a detailed transition plan will help your team keep the project going without jeopardizing the project outcomes. In essence, you need to learn how to leave you job without leaving any one hanging.
