Starting a new project can be an exciting and challenging experience, especially for those who are new to Project Management. While it's easy to get caught up in the details, it's important not to overlook the big picture.
We sat down with our Vice President of Sales, Joe McVety, to talk about the biggest mistakes that they see those new to Project Management make with their teams.
Poor Communication
One of the most common mistakes new Project Managers make is poor communication. Communication is key to the success of any project, and failure to communicate effectively can result in delays, misunderstandings, and even project failure. If you aren’t communicating the details and data of the project, you aren’t driving the project. New Project Managers often underestimate the importance of communication, assuming that everyone will be on the same page without clear instructions and regular check-ins.
“You can’t be afraid to ask the hard questions to the stakeholders and to the team…When it’s your turn to communicate, you have to communicate the good news AND the bad news” said Joe
He followed up with, “I would much rather know that the project is yellow one month in and be able to ask for assistance and resolution than to assume that we can turn it around and get 6 sprints in and realize we need more help”
Communication is key, early and often.
“It may not be your fault that development is behind, but it is your fault as the PM if it is not communicated”
To avoid this mistake, it's important to establish clear lines of communication with all stakeholders from the start of the project. Make sure that everyone is aware of the project goals, timelines, and milestones. Regularly check-in with team members to ensure that they have the resources and support they need to complete their tasks.
Poor Scope Management
Another common mistake made by new Project Managers is poor scope management. This involves not clearly defining the project scope, which can result in a lack of focus and direction for the project team. Poorly defined scope can also lead to scope creep, where the project starts to grow beyond its original objectives, resulting in delays and increased costs.
At the very beginning of the project, it is vitally important to define what is IN scope. And equally important, you have to identify what is OUT of scope.
“Scope management is knowing what is IN scope…and what is OUT of scope. Then you have to manage it. If someone brings a change into the scope that was initially signed off on, whoever brought the change needs to follow the project change request process”
“When there is scope creep, it’s best to have options for the stakeholders to choose from: do you want the gold-plated option or the standard option?”
To avoid poor scope management, it's important to clearly define the project scope at the onset of the project. This involves identifying the project goals, objectives, and deliverables. Work with stakeholders to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that expectations are clearly defined. Regularly review the project scope throughout the project lifecycle and make adjustments as necessary.
Poor Planning
Finally, new Project Managers often make the mistake of poor planning. This involves not developing a clear project plan, which can result in a lack of direction and focus for the project team. A poorly planned project can also lead to missed deadlines, budget overruns, and quality issues.
“If there is poor planning, nothing is resolved. When roadblocks do arise the PM will sit back and hope the team figures it out. ‘Just let me know what you decide!’ They don’t have a plan of action”
“When we see someone who lacks planning abilities, it’s often because they have become reactive to problems instead of proactively planning.”
To avoid poor planning, it's important to develop a clear project plan from the start of the project. This involves identifying project tasks, timelines, resources, and milestones. Work with stakeholders to develop a realistic project plan that considers any potential risks or obstacles. Regularly review and update the project plan throughout the project lifecycle to ensure that the project stays on track.
New Project Managers often make mistakes that can have a negative impact on project success. By avoiding these top three mistakes - poor communication, poor scope management, and poor planning - new Project Managers can set themselves up for success and ensure that their projects run smoothly. Remember, effective communication, clear scope management, and thorough planning are the keys to successful Project Management.