05. Mastering Project Management: 10 Guidelines for Project Success

Project management is the engine that propels new products and technologies to the market. To ensure successful project execution, certain guidelines and principles are essential. In this episode of "Mastering Project Management: 10 Guidelines for Success," our project manager and podcast host Brittany Wilkins explores 10 key guidelines that every project manager and organization should adopt as best practices for effective organizational governance.

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Welcome to Project Management Masterclass hosted by Brittany Wilkins. Whether you're a seasoned project manager looking to sharpen your skills or a newcomer eager to learn the ropes, this podcast is your ultimate guide to mastering the art and science of project management.  In each episode, we dive deep into the world of project management, bringing you insights, practical tips, and real-life success stories. Get ready to elevate your project management game.

Thank you for tuning in  to  Project Management Masterclass! If you're ready to elevate your project management skills, subscribe for more expert insights. Don't forget to share & review. Until next time, happy managing!

Transcript

Introduction

Thank you for tuning into Project Management Masterclass. I'm your host Brittany Wilkins. In today's episode, we'll be discussing ten essential guidelines for effective project management.  So Let's get started. 

 Guidelines

1.The first guideline is without a skilled project manager, the vast majority of projects will fail. With a person educated in the skills of project management, regardless of title, a project has a high likelihood of success.

This guidelines underscores the importance of having a competent project manager at the helm. A skilled project manager brings organization, structure, and foresight to a project. Their expertise in planning, executing, and closing projects is invaluable. Even if the person doesn’t hold the title of ‘Project Manager’, their knowledge and skills in project management can significantly increase the chances of success. The role of project manager is often underestimated, but again I stress having someone who understands project management methodologies and tools can mean the difference between success and failure. Project manager are the glue that holds the project together. 

2. Moving on to our second guideline.The project manager puts the best interest of the project first-not their own interests. A project manager's primary focus should always be on the project’s success. This means making decisions that benefit the project, even if it might not be the most convenient or advantageous for the project manager personally. It’s about leadership and integrity. A project manager dedication builds trust within the team and ensures that everyone is working towards a common objective.


 3.Our third guidelines emphasizes the importance of adaptability. The project manager understands the value of principles, methods, models, and artifacts of project management and knows how to adapt them to the type of project they are managing. Different projects require different approaches. A good project manager knows how to tailor their methods and tools to fit the specific needs of the project at hand. This flexibility is key to managing diverse projects effectively. Flexibility in project management cannot be overstated. Each project is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works. Understanding when and how to adapt is what sets great project managers apart.

4. Now let's talk about timing: 

The project manager is assigned during project initiating not later in the project.

Assigning a project manager at the beginning of a project is essential. Early involvement allows the project manager to understand the project’s objectives, constraints, and stakeholder expectations right from the start. This early engagement sets a solid foundation for the project’s success.

Early assignment of a project manager ensures that the project starts on the right foot. They can develop a comprehensive plan and identify potential risks before they become issues. It’s about proactive management rather than reactive firefighting.

5. The fifth guidelines is A project manager understand the process of project management and what to do first and why. 

A project manager needs a thorough understanding of project management processes. This knowledge enables them to prioritize tasks effectively and make informed decisions. Knowing what to do first can prevent many common pitfalls and set the project on a path to success.

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 6.The sixth guideline is  Organizations have a formal project selection process and choose projects based on how well those projects meet organizational objectives.

A formal project selection process ensures that the projects undertaken align with the organization’s strategic goals. This alignment is crucial for maximizing the value delivered by each project.When projects are chosen based on strategic fit, it not only optimizes resource utilization but also ensures that the organization is moving in the right direction. It’s about making informed decisions that benefit the entire organization.

7. The 7th guidelines is Project manager understand why their project was chosen. 

Knowing the rationale behind a project’s selection helps the project manager align their efforts with the broader organizational goals. It provides context and clarity, enabling them to make decisions that support the project's intended outcomes.break:

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Understanding the ‘why’ behind a project is empowering. It gives the project manager a sense of purpose and direction, which they can then communicate to their team, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

8. Guideline number 8 is The project manager and team create a product vision and the project manager aligns everyone to the vision. 

Creating a clear vision for the project is essential. This vision serves as a guiding star, ensuring that every team member knows the ultimate goal they are working towards. The project manager’s role is to keep this vision front and center throughout the project’s lifecycle.

9. Our ninth guideline is really tying the project together where the project manager plans, manages, monitors, and controls scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk, and resources using projects to deliver value to the organization and stakeholders. 

This encompasses the core responsibilities of a project manager. It’s about balancing these elements to deliver the project successfully. Effective management in these areas ensures that the project meets its objectives and delivers real value.

This is the heart of project management. Balancing scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk, and resources requires a strategic and tactical approach. A skilled project manager knows how to juggle these aspects to keep the project on track and deliver the expected value.

10. Our final guideline is Organizations should have a project management office with clearly defined responsibilities regarding projects across the organization. 

A PMO provides structure and standardization for project management practices within an organization. It supports project managers, ensures consistency, and helps align projects with organizational strategy.A PMO is a backbone for project management in an organization. It offers guidance, best practices, and support, ensuring that projects are managed consistently and effectively. This consistency is crucial for achieving organizational objectives.

 That is a wrap for today's episode. Did any of these guidelines resonate with you? By understanding and applying these principles, project managers can significantly increase their chances of success and deliver valuable outcomes for their organizations. Thank you for joining us today. 

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