My Top Priorities in Managing Projects (and the One I Keep Top of Mind)
It seems I have a knack for embarking on endeavors I have to explain to people. Ok, maybe I just like explaining things. Project management sounds exactly like what it is: I manage projects. “But Ellie,” I hear you say, “couldn’t ANYTHING be a project?” Well, yes and no.
A project has a clear start and finish, a unique outcome, and defined limitations. As a general rule, anything you do on a regular basis is likely not a project.
Depending on your business, you might have one big project to work on or a bunch of little ones. Or you might have many of different sizes all at once, you big overachiever, you. Either way, it helps to have a dedicated person on your team to help you keep things straight.
Regardless of its size, all projects involve a lot of processes. It’s vital to keep a system of goals and lead with those top of mind. Below are my top priorities for executing a project with maximum efficiency (and minimal tears):
- Decide what we’re making and what the end result should be
- Create the right team and best resources to use
- Define and keep to the schedule and budget
- Anticipate roadblocks and create detour plans
- Check in on HOW the team is doing, not just their outputs
- Keep sight of the big picture and let it drive our process
- Celebrate wins, big and small!
Studying each individual leaf will cause me to lose sight of the entire forest, so my focus stays on the overall project outcome. Though these priorities listed are all of equal importance, I find the most successful projects are those where I pay close attention to my team’s morale. They’re on the front lines day to day, dealing with client needs and project issues in real time. It’s important to keep them supported and acknowledge their hard work, not just their outcomes.
Got you thinking? Check out this article for the best explanation of projects ever.
Follow Bayleaf Consulting on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
