Why is project management so important, or better yet, helpful? Well, I believe that it brings a certain amount of structure and process to any project. Having structure and goals allows you to break a large project down into smaller, more manageable pieces. In my own experience, I’ve accepted projects and immediately afterwards felt a sense of dread or fear come over me, when looking at everything that needs to be accomplished. In order to curb those overwhelming feelings, I keep a few tips in mind to help cope or eliminate those feelings, and allow you to deliver a quality product, on time!
Tip 1: “Under Promise, Over Deliver”.
In my own experiences, I’ve been consistently more successful when I am realistic with my estimated timelines. Typically, when asked that dreaded question: “How much time do you need to complete this?” If you estimate how much time it will take to complete each task and add a little cushion time on for incidentals, you should be able to deliver the quality product, maybe even early if you have no hiccups. If hiccups do arise, you have extra time built in to deal with those and stay on track.
Tip 2: “Be Realistic/Honest”
I find that when I am realistic about what I can complete and the time it’s going to take me, it’s easy to meet any deadline. It’s when we agree to complete something when we know full well, or suspect that we will never make that requirement, that we do not succeed.
Tip 3: “Re-chunk the Deliverables”
So you’ve been assigned a project that has an end date and that’s it. No other deliverables and it’s a new process that they want you to create yourself. That overwhelming feeling is sinking in. Well this is a great opportunity to break up the project into smaller pieces. Start by identifying the tasks that you need to complete. Even if they are out of order…just jot them all down and organize them once you realize you’ve identified all the tasks necessary to complete the project. Then look at each task and complete it one at a time. It’s much more manageable and less intimidating than looking at the whole big picture!
Tip 4: “Create Personal Goals/Deadlines”
Typically when given a project you are given the final deliverable deadline, and maybe some milestones in between. I take these dates and place them on my calendar. Then I work backwards from those dates and set personal goals for each deliverable. My personal goals/deadlines are typically 1 day before the actual deadline. This gives me again that built in cushion in case you have unforeseen issues arise. Additionally, if you mark it on your calendar, you are reminded what your dates are, and the deliverable isn’t as easily forgotten.
Tip 5: “Roadblock? Ask for HELP!”
So many times when we are working on a project we hit a roadblock. Something happens that you just can’t fix or you’ve tried everything you can possibly think of and nothing’s changing. My advice is: Don’t wait too long! Just asking someone for a suggestion might shed light on that missing piece that you need to overcome the roadblock and keep progressing. Don’t spend more than a few hours troubleshooting.
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