Friday, November 1, 2013

Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance

There are a number of approaches to managing a project including lean, iterative, incremental, and phased approaches. Regardless of the methodology used, careful consideration must be given to the overall project objectives, timeline, and cost, as well as the roles and responsibilities of all participants and stakeholders. Following these 5 P’s when starting a project will help ensure success.

Proper:  Regardless of what type of project you will undertake, there is a proper way to approach and execute each task. There are steps to follow and specific tools you will need in order to complete any project efficiently and skillfully. If you don’t know how to do something, get as much information as you can from reliable sources so that you do not miss any important steps, use the wrong tools, or attempt something outside of your skill set.

Planning: Thoughtful, detailed planning is very important when starting a project. Start by making a list of the steps or tasks that identify what you want to accomplish (scope of work), who will be involved (the stakeholders and roles), and what will you need to make it all happen (the participants, tools and budget). Be specific and research each task so that every detail has been addressed and nothing has been overlooked.

Prevents: It is always a good idea to have a Plan B in place so that you are ready to address issues as they arise.  Establishing a backup plan will prevent costly delays that can occur during a project’s execution.

Poor: If something is done poorly, why bother. Cutting corners to save money will result in a difficult execution and disappointing results. If you think hiring someone else to take on the project is expensive, wait until you see how much an ineffective manager will cost.

Performance: If you keep focused and stay actively involved with each phase of your project, every member of your team will work together to produce the best possible results.

David Schuchman

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