PROJECT MANAGEMENT BEST PRACTICES
To AVOID CAREER LIMITING MOVES – PART 2 of 3
Jeff Schlageter
President, Project Acceleration
Jeff@ProjectAcceleration.com
Wouldn’t it be great to have a list of project management “best practices” that would help you benefit from the experiences of hundreds of other program managers? In a way, these best practices would be like having your own project management mentors, each sharing what they have learned. Part 2:
Now in Part 2 of this three-part series, I will sample from 150 best practices that are explained in detail in our book “Projects at Warp Speed with Quality Rapid Product Development” which is authored by my partners and myself. Since 150 of anything is a lot to grasp, I will organize the best practices for you into 11 Commandments as follows:
1. Scope or Vision: Commandment 1: Previous Blog
2. Project Leader and the team: Commandments 2-5: Today’s Blog
3. Project Management Flow Process: Commandments 6-11.
So, let’s begin with Commandment 2 which relates to the Project Leader and Team:
Commandment 2: ASSEMBLE THE RIGHT TEAM AND LEADERS.
a. Have one empowered “mad-person-on-a-mission” leader.
b. The team should be full time and focused on the Project Vision (see Part 1).
c. Make sure the teams are cross functional, including contractors, vendors, etc.
d. Have at least a core cross functional team in the planning stage.
e. Include a champion and essential experts.
f. Keep members on the team from concept to delivery.
Commandment 3: INITIATE EARLY CROSS-FUNCTIONAL COOPERATION
a. Get cross functional commitment to the Project Vision to avoid late changes.
b. Make sure all cross-functions are included over the lifecycle of the project.
c. Establish clear roles and responsibilities (written and agreed to).
d. Even with virtual teams, as a minimum have face-to-face communication several times in the project.
Commandment 4: CREATE A SYNERGISTIC, MISSION-ORIENTED, PRODUCTIVE ENVIRONMENT
a. Keep a shared sense of mission/purpose by using the Vision and Mission in the communications process.
b. Create a high level of energy and spirit by a “we’re going to take the world by storm” attitude.
c. Facilitate team synergy to provide “synchronous energy” and a 1+1 = 5 output.
d. Keep the team autonomous, empowered, and responsible.
e. Co-locate the team members as much as possible, and “over-do” communications with virtual members.
f. Hold a regularly scheduled team meeting.
g. Make sure to “have fun” by building “hoopla” into the project.
Commandment 5: REWARD ALL PARTICIPANTS COMMENSURABLY
a. Reward performance and real progress on projects at major milestones.
b. Ensure rewards are perceived as fast and fair by the team and individuals.
c. Make sure recognition is cross functional.
d. Some of the best rewards are not bonuses, so be creative.
e. In the project planning process, plan for rewards and recognition also.
f. Use rituals and celebrations.
Watch for the third installment of the Best Practices this week.
©2007 Project Acceleration, ©2007 Global Brain
