Project Management: Simple Tips For Managing Deadlines

Few individuals enjoy working “under the gun” but the fact of the matter is that deadlines are necessary in order to ensure that organizational priorities are communicated and acted on in a timely manner. That said, Project Management, in it’s purest form, is basically a process for managing deadlines.

However, it is a formal process with specific steps designed to identify, strategize and facilitate the completion of specific tasks. Project Management can involve the input of a team, or the effort of a single individual. But regardless of how many people are involved in the project, the process is similar. As such, the steps can be outlined as follows:

* Defining the scope of the project
* Determining available resources (people and material)
* Recruiting the project team (if applicable)
* Generating or Brainstorming ideas
* Setting priorities
* Drafting an Action Plan
* Finalizing the Action Plan
* Implementing the plan
* Monitoring progress
* Making adjustments

From a Work Management standpoint, these steps may appear to be straight-forward, and indeed they would be if it were possible to ignore the interpersonal factor. However, as collaboration is critical, "People Skills" are what drive the Project Management Process.

Unfortunately, “People Skills” are often characterized and derided as a nebulous set of “soft and fuzzy” attributes best-suited for idealists. However, far from being ideals, the “soft skills” that one must refine and develop for successful Project Management are both specific and universal.

In this regard, the Interpersonal Skills most important for effective Project Management include the following:

* Active Listening
* Assertiveness
* Negotiation
* Time Management
* Collaboration

As a developmental strategy, project leaders should seek out specific training on these topics. If formal training is not an option for you, then research these topics on your own. Check out the Internet or your local library for the many useful resources published on these topics.

Of course, not every assigned project will demand the convening of a formal project team. Many times, projects are an individual endeavor. In such cases, collaboration may be minimal, but coordination and work management skills are still necessary.

As you work through individual projects, keep the following tips in mind:

* Get clarity on the deadline for completion of the project.

* Don't procrastinate. This only makes tight deadlines tighter.

* Set priorities. Temporarily defer lesser priorities.

* Make Up a "to do" list.

* Get the project started. Write a memo, make a call, set up a meeting, etc.

* If you need input, coordinate with the appropriate “others”.

* Outline your action plan.

* Refine your plan and get approvals.

* Implement your plan.

As a final tip, remember to give equal weight to both the Interpersonal and Work Management elements of a project. Doing do will undoubtedly increase the planning and prep time at the start the project, but it will expedite its completion.

Jack