A project manager’s main job at Flow is to bring a particular project to completion, both on time and within budget. To improve your success rate and keep your sanity it does help to be kind, be honest and have a sense of humour.
I stick to three rules:
Foundation is key
As with anything you build, the more secure the foundation, the better the longevity. And as with a building project this phase always takes the longest, with the least visible results.
Be sure to listen and engage with both internal and external team members, and take time to plan carefully at the start of a project. It will save time in the long run.
Say what you mean, and mean what you say
Tell people what you want them to know, what you want them to do, and what you’ll do for them. Don’t leave these details up to their imaginations. You may think that being vague gives you more leeway but in reality, it just increases the chances for misunderstandings and mistakes.
Be honest, be assertive, and always commit and deliver to deadlines.
Stick to your plan
Start your project plan with a manageable deadline in mind and work backwards to set realistic timelines and high-level milestones. Keep checking back to ensure both your client and internal team stay on track.
A project is a process. Move from phase to phase in a systematic manner, and schedule sign-off at each phase to ensure that your client’s expectations are being met, and that your team is delivering within scope and within budget.
Happy project managing!
