However, applying lessons learned from past projects to future projects usually does not happen automatically. You must plan for future project development. By following the two strategies described below, you can ensure that you have an appropriate plan in place, so you can learn from past projects and manage future projects more effectively.
1. Gather project data.
You should begin by examining your data. If you have been documenting the progress of your project from the start, you can use the data you have collected to identify the most effective techniques to incorporate into your future projects. You also can implement the following three strategies to gather project data.
- Postmortem meeting. You can hold a project postmortem meeting, where all members can openly discuss the positive and negative aspects of the project. A postmortem meeting gives all team members an opportunity to discuss issues and brainstorm ways to eliminate similar problems in future projects. This strategy is useful only when participants have had a chance to review the project.
- E-mail summary. An e-mail summary from each participant is also a great strategy for gathering information on the good and bad aspects of the project. This strategy is useful when time is of the essence or when team members do not have time available to meet.
- Written reports. Written reports that describe the team members' experiences throughout the life of the project are useful when written documentation is required. For example, use this strategy when senior managers request a report.
Once the project information is gathered, it is imperative to document this data for future project development. There are three strategies you can use to document the information you've gathered.
- Develop a checklist. A checklist is effective as a reference tool for similar projects in the future. A checklist normally contains the positive points from the present project that your team can apply during specific stages of future projects.
- Create a top-10 risk list. A top-10 risk list contains negative points from your current project. It is an effective way to help your project team develop strategies for the elimination of similar risks in future projects.
- Prepare a formal report. You would prepare a formal report when documentation of both the positive and negative aspects of a project is required. For example, this strategy might be useful when the data requires a more thorough evaluation by senior managers.
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Tag: PM206A54. Let me share all of you about #5 Tips for Project Management Success,, I hope you enjoy it
1. Plan your day using time management techniques
As a project manager, time management skills are essential because you are dealing with a wide range of tasks that demand a quick turnaround time. Planning your day will go a long way in keeping you organized and increasing your productivity. Assist your task planning by using project management software which helps you track the work of you and your team.
If you are not very tech savvy, a simple to-do list can also be a great organizational tool. Prioritize your most important tasks by putting them at the top of the list and less important ones at the bottom. Having a visual plan of your daily tasks helps to keep you on track and aware of time.
Related post: Free ebook 104 secrets to become a great project manager
2. Include stakeholders in important project conversations
While you will have plenty of responsibilities regarding the project, don’t neglect your clients.
Good communication is essential is keeping both parties informed of project progression, curtailing scope creep, and apprised of changing requirements. Some clients may have different expectations when it comes to communication, so make sure to establish the frequency and type of communication (like emails, phone calls, and face-to-face conversations) at the beginning of your project.
Establishing communication expectations early helps alleviate stakeholder uncertainty about communication frequency and delivery.
3. Regularly communicate with your team
Daily team communication helps keep misunderstandings and unclear requirements under control. Keeping your team informed in every step of the project is essential to project management success.
For example, a study published by Procedia Technology found that good communication skills were the cornerstone of project management. The study examined over 300 “construction project managers, architects, construction managers, engineers and quantity surveyors” and their successes and failures on various construction projects.
4. Anticipate project setbacks
Even the best-laid plans often go awry.
Remember that even with a high amount of planning and attention to detail, your project may still encounter some challenges. Pay attention to complaints from stakeholders or colleagues, and other warning signs, like a missed deadline or cost overrun, that there may be a problem.
Preventing a crisis will keep your project running smoothly, save you a lot of time, and keep you, your team, and your stakeholders confident in progressing with the project.
Unfortunately not every complication can be avoided. Crisis management skills are essential for dealing with the unexpected. Project managers need to be flexible and pragmatic. Improvise and make sharp decisions when needed.
Related post: 92 free project management templates
5. Stay focused on the details
A common problem project managers encounter is having the project aims not aligned with the organization’s objectives. A great project manager will strategize a plan for the project to lead back to the overall success of the business.
Know your project’s scope by heart and avoid wandering outside of the project’s requirements. It’s too easy to get lost in minor details and forget what your focus is, so a well-planned project scope is essential for success.
And final, you should use KPI to measure effectiveness of the project, here are full list: 76 project management KPIs
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