The three common mistakes – and how to avoid them
One of the most common mistakes is that of being overly optimistic. Projects are too often built on best-case scenario assumptions rather than realistic expectations. Instead of planning for the worst and hoping for the best, project managers often plan for the best and simply hope the worst doesn’t happen. Another common mistake is the assumption that if the project starts to get off track, it will be possible to make it up “on the back end”—as the project winds down. This simply does not happen. Instead, be proactive in getting the project back on track as quickly as possible as soon as things start to go astray.The five Best Practices guiding you through to success
Are there other common mistakes? Sure! My advice is to use the following five best practice points as your guide through the project management process.1. Build a schedule
One of the first, and most important, aspects of project management is creating a project schedule. Time, resources, costs—all of these rely on a project schedule. Project managers are often eager to start the project as quickly as possible and forgo the schedule. Be patient, and plan. It will help ensure a more successful project.2. Incorporate risk
The most successful projects account for a wide range of risk factors, from resource challenges to changes in project scope to things like natural disasters. The more risk factors are incorporated into the project schedule, the more likely the project will be completed on time and within budget.3. Gain team input
4. Require accountability
Particularly if you’ve gotten input and buy in from all project teams, it is important to take that one step further and hold each team accountable for their portion of the project schedule. Making the project a true team effort will increase the likelihood of success.5. Continue replanning
A project schedule is a great place to start—a critical place, in fact. However, things do change. Consider your schedule a starting point, and don’t be afraid to rework the schedule based on risk factors that have come to fruition or based on any number of additional factors. Costs may change, resources may change, scope may change—any of these will have a significant impact on the overall project. Be sure to plan, and replan, accordingly. Dan Patterson is VP of product strategy at Deltek.Share this story