In life, finishing strong is critical to one’s success. However, starting strong is underrated. I learned very early in my career, the power of creating, maintaining, and advancing momentum. As Project Managers, we know the prescribed steps to initiating and planning a project. However, this article will outline five general tips that I consider to be vital in starting a project strong.
I have been managing projects (of various types) for over 12 years. However, this is my fifth year of being formally trained, certified, and working directly in Project Management. I am evolving in the field, thanks to the invaluable experiences I have gotten throughout the years in project leadership. I realize that starting a project “right” makes all the difference between a successful versus a failed project.
The following are five tips to Project Managers on how to start their projects strong:
- Strategic Alignment: Ensure that the project that you are about to manage is in alignment with the strategic direction of the company. Most times, projects are handed down to us by the company’s leadership team. However, it is okay to assess the request thoroughly, ask the tough questions, and push back (where necessary). The ultimate aim is to ensure that the project you undertake offers real value to the business, positively impacts the bottom line, and satisfies the customers.
- Observation: As Project Managers, we must keenly observe the micro and macro business landscape. Take the time to find the triggers, understand the stakeholders and how they respond to changes, and what are the pain points. Once you have done that, ensure that your project will effectively address the issues and improve the overall quality of the organization.
- Information Gathering: Spend time reviewing and researching historical information and lessons learned. It helps you to learn from the successes and failures of similar past projects. If the information is not readily available, ask the critical questions, and don’t be afraid to probe deeply. More importantly, find out the specific needs of your stakeholders. What do they expect to get after the project is launched, how do they want the finished product to function, and what are their success criteria. You must document, prioritize, refine, and gain agreements on all the stakeholder requirements.
- Set and Manage the Expectations: Ensure that you understand the expectations of the Sponsor and other key stakeholders. Equally, ensure that you manage their expectations about the project in terms of what will and will not be done/ delivered. The project team also needs to be clear on their roles, responsibilities, and expectations of them on the project (and vice versa).
A BONUS tip is to have fun. It sounds a little weird, saying the word “fun” in a business-related article. Let’s face it business can sometimes feel serious and mundane. However, we set the tone for how we operate. I sometimes become uptight before starting a project because I am obsessed about crossing all the Ts and dotting all the Is. However, you can find ways to inject some fun and enthusiasm in how you start a project, finding that perfect balance.
The reality is that your team feeds from your energy. Help the group to “catch a fire” (not only the vision) and become motivated to execute successfully. What is better than helping your company (or a company) start an initiative that is meaningful and will positively impact how they do business and yield high returns?
“Project managers function as bandleaders who pull together their players each a specialist with individual score and internal rhythm. Under the leader’s direction, they all respond to the same beat.”
– L.R. Sayles
Bio
Zoya Salmon- Powell, PMP, CSM is a Thought Leader, Globally Certified Project Management Professional, Budding Agilist, and Marketing Enthusiast. She is an Executive MBA Candidate at the Jack Welch Management Institute at Strayer University. Based in Jamaica, Zoya is the Founder & CEO at Global Projects Consultancy (GPC) and Empression (Fashion & Inspiration). She is also the Head of the Project Management Office at Yello Media Group.
Leave a Reply