Assigning resources to projects that haven’t yet received formal approval is a somewhat controversial (or at the very least murky) topic in many organizations. Who pays for work done prior to approval? What’s the fate of assigned PMs if the project doesn’t get approved? How can your team dedicate time to a tentative project when…
Be a Better Communicator
February 28, 2011 by
Good communication is the foundation that keeps your project management team moving forward. But as our communication options expand, our ability to match the method to the need sometimes becomes fuzzy. Here we’ve outlined the top 3 communication methods, along with dos and don’ts for each.
Intelligence Gathering: Determining End User Needs
February 11, 2011 by
Part of preparing any project for success is pulling together accurate and complete information about objectives, deliverables, and expectations. Gathering this data as it relates to end user requirements can sometimes be tricky—conflicting opinions, competing priorities, lack of big picture awareness, and little or no influence over final budget approval can all hamper your efforts….
Pitfalls of Big Projects
January 21, 2011 by
Juggling multiple smaller projects may be a challenge, but PMs who oversee only one or two large projects at a time have their share of headaches, too. Below we explore some of the pitfalls of managing larger (but fewer) projects.
10 Ways to Blend Leadership with Collaboration
January 4, 2011 by
For a project team to be successful, its manager needs to find the right balance between individual leadership and group collaboration. If you’re wondering how to create a culture within your own project team that supports that blend, we’ve put together some principles that will point you toward success.
4 Things to Remember When Canceling a Project
December 7, 2010 by
It happens—a project you felt certain would move forward has been canceled. How do you nix a project without losing traction in other areas? And what are your chances of keeping the dead limb from sapping the energy from the rest of your project tree? When tasked with killing a project, keep these 4 principles…
5 Tips for Managing Confidential Information
November 9, 2010 by
Projects often involve sensitive information, such as collaborations that haven’t yet been made public, or budgets that hinge on not-yet-released market data. How can you keep your team (and your company) out of hot water with all that confidential information floating around?
Setting Individual Goals: 9 Tips for Success
October 14, 2010 by
Performance evaluation season is almost upon us, and it’s time to begin identifying individual goals for next year. Below are a few tips to get you started and keep you going.
Project Management: Upsizing Your Project Team
October 12, 2010 by
Adding project management consulting professionals to your Project Team is usually a good issue to face—it means you’re growing or increasing the scope of your projects. But before you charge ahead, remember that there are still a few things you should do to ensure the smoothest transition possible.
Project Negotiation Tips: Cost
September 27, 2010 by
Creating and adhering to an approved budget is a core responsibility for project management consulting professionals. Part of your job will frequently be to work with your vendors and providers to get the best cost for the services or hardware your project requires. Becoming a savvy negotiator takes practice, but remembering a few core guidelines…
