4 mistakes you are making with your project management strategies

So much to accomplish, so much of mismanagement — This is the story of most projects (if not all) that are handled in companies. So, where do project managers go wrong? Why despite all the efforts, all the planning in the world, and all sorts of management software; things seem to go south? Why do managers repeatedly find themselves unable to deliver the expected output at the right time?

Reasons for that can be countless, but let’s talk about four most common mistakes that can cause counter-productivity in any project management strategy. If you can relate to the points mentioned below, you might want to tweak your project management strategies a little. Have a look -

1. Right resources, wrong manager!
We know that the term ‘wrong’ is highly relative and there is no such thing as right or wrong. But, what we’re trying to say is that there has to be a match between the skills of a person and the kind of tasks given to him. The same holds true for managers. Typically when projects are discussed and plans are made, the hottest topic of discussion remains — ‘how to find the best resources?’.

Let’s shift the focus! Instead of trying to keep the ‘best resources and its procurement’ in limelight; try to find the right project manager. At least this is what the VP of the Consulting Services & Project Management Office at Force 3 has to say. Don’t pick a manager just because he or she happens to be available. Focus on a person’s skill set and accordingly assign him to what he can do best. Someone who knows the art of converting ‘waste to best’ could work with very little resources and yet deliver unexpectedly amazing results. The opposite also holds true!

2. Trying to handle too many projects all at once
Do you believe in quality, or are you a stickler for quantity? Answer this question first and then accordingly decide how many projects should be put into motion at one time. It is natural tendency to try to get everything done within the least possible amount of time. But, let’s not bite off more than we can chew. Trying to shove too many projects down the throat of employees could easily end-up choking them.

Multitasking is good to the point where it doesn’t suffocate you. After a certain point of time, it can prove to be quite counterproductive, leading to an immediate drop in performance and quality of work. Multitasking is a great way to slow people down, hurt their performance, and cause unnecessary project delays. Who wants that? I’m sure no one. So, do try to cut down on WIP (work in progress) if you sense an overload of work.

3. Not having regular meetings
Tim Parkin — the president of Parkin Web Development, an online strategy consultancy, dubs communication as the most important factor in successful project management and completion.

Communication is the backbone that keeps everyone and everything in a project together. In its absence things are likely to fall apart very easily. Devote a couple of hours in one week for discussions and meet-ups. During those meetings try to find ways rectify all the problems that people are facing. Also, ask everyone unanimously what day and time works best for them.

The meet doesn’t have to be in person; you could do it virtually as well. When everyone knows they are supposed to show-up for a meet at this day and this hour, they will come ready with all the issues they are facing. With the clarity of problems in work and things that need fixing — everyone can focus on the solution. Having weekly meets is a great way to keep the project flowing, and everyone on the same page.

4. Being rigid in plans
It is good to think of your project plan as the bible; telling what to do, how to do, when to do, and who will do it. But don’t be too rigid thinking those are the final words. Always leave room for flexibility and changes. Be open to suggestions that you can possibly get your hands on. Don’t reject new information just because it is coming from one of your subordinates.

It is wise to step back and view the entire project with a fresh perspective every once in awhile. This will help you review all the things done so far. However, don’t overuse the whole ‘being receptive to change’ approach. Being open to change and embracing it is good but don’t go on making changes unnecessarily where it is not even needed. Just be open to suggestions that are likely to shape things better!

There are probably hundreds of ways in which project management strategies can be refined. But, if you take care of these four main points you can easily dodge several pitfalls of project management.

Are you also making these mistakes? Sign Up for ProofHub today and set your project management strategies straight!