In order to become a successful project manager, it is essential to work like one. First, one should understand the tactics that are required to become a successful project manager. Effective project managers have a lot in common with any other project managers. They are people oriented and as a result, they quickly build a good working relationship with their team members. Another critical quality that project managers should possess is the knack to handle interruptions.
Project problems and requests usually have no appointment; therefore project managers should learn how to focus on need of the hour. Please note that project management requires a lot of attention; this, therefore, demands that you should be a very patient person. Understanding your responsibility as a project manager, also goes a long way in ensuring that you stay popular in this field. Unlike other managers, project managers have specific roles, which are closely aligned to the projects that they are currently managing. These roles can be broadly classified into three main categories which are; · Assuming responsibility for the project as a whole ·Leading the team ·Employing relevant project management processes. What are some of the secrets that enable you to become and remain popular in project management field?
Experience is always the best teacher, but not everyone is so lucky to have it. However, that should not discourage you. Education is a continuous process and hence it should be viewed as a journey rather than a destination. Discussed below are ways that may catapult you into a successful and prosperous project management if managed and utilized well. Consider their suggestions, but not necessarily silver bullets. There are four main ways that are designed to help you stay popular in project management, which are further sub-divided into tips as you will read later on. The broad categories include; 1.Preparation 2.Planning 3. Project estimation 4. Tracking your progress As you can clearly decipher, the above mentioned categories are arranged according to a well-designed chronological process. Therefore, do not skip any of the processes stick to them closely and you will realize how easy it is to get and remain popular in this field. View disappointments as a challenge rather than a set-back and work hard to solve them.Let’s Look at these Processes in Detail:
Preparation
As you probably know, there is no journey that can commence without preparation. Project management is a journey and as such the groundwork must be well laid before commencing this long journey. There are four suggestions under this topic, which are;
Planning This is the second phase in project management. As you probably know; failing to plan can also be interpreted as planning to fail. There are five suggestions under this phase, which are;
Estimating the project Period This is the third phase of a successful project management task. Time is very essential in any project even a single minute lost may lead to falling behind schedule. Therefore take your time to plan and estimate the project period clearly. There are five suggestions under this topic which include;
Tracking your Progress
This is the last phase in the process of successful project managements. It involves tracking of the actual time spent as related to the budget. Do not count a task as complete unless it is 100% complete. Remember the good old saying that; do not count your chicks before they hatch? It is very true. Don’t count your project done unless it is truly done. Be truthful to yourself, try as much as possible to track your project status honestly.What are some of the project management tools that you can use? In order to remain popular in project management and avoid being viewed as a passing cloud; it is important to not only understand some of the best project management tools but actually how to use them as well. Having the right tools will enable you to finish your project successfully, on time and within the budgeted frame as well. Project management tools include;
Work Breakdown Structure
It is also known as task analysis. This particular tool is used to break down the whole project into smaller components. It is usually incorporated in task management software, but you can create yours as well. Some of the items you can use to come up with your own customized task analysis include deliverable lists, to-do lists and checklists. This tool is usually at the foundation of the project management.
Action Plan
This tool is used to identify all parties participating in the project. it sums up the tasks and responsibilities of each and every individual member of the team, as well as estimating the time frame that each task may take to be complete. A time tracking software may be incorporated into the action plan so as to effectively manage scheduled tasks. You can also incorporate a document sharing software into the action plan which can help you share information more quickly and easily.
Gantt Charts
Gantt charts are very popular with project management. The main advantage of this tool is that it helps you to monitor your project by showing you the overall flow of the project plan. It has become an industry leader in project management due to the fact that it is specific to detail.
Critical Path Methodology
This tool is used to manage complex projects and can also be used to design a project schedule. It is usually applied in logic networks. It shows how activities logically follow each other as well as giving the estimated start and finish times of a project.
Project Management Certification
It is a requirement that ensures project managers are able to manage their teams effectively. It ensures that a manager has the necessary education and qualification required to lead a team. It is usually an exam just like any other, complete with tutors and an examining body. An example of an institution offering this certification is Project management institute. It is a professional certifying organization that requires managers to meet certain requirements before they are given the mandate to head various projects. There are currently two certifications that you may choose from, which include; certified associate in project management and/or project management professional.