Projects
play a major role today in our economic environment. Companies, employees and
teams join together to make things happen within a project. Projects can,
however, only be implemented successfully if someone has an overview and unites
the participants in a practical manner. Of course it’s not enough to simply
take command here – modern management skills in project management go far
beyond this in the here and now.
1. What hast to be considered before the
project
Before the project commences, planning and controlling are vital to
establish a basis. It should be obvious that the people responsible for the
project keep an eye on the costs, but that isn't always the case. Time and time
again there is an enormous gap between the proposed costs and the actual
expenses. A feasibility analysis should clarify whether the objectives can be
realized with the planned budget. The times should also be defined in advance:
When will the project start? The workflow also needs a time schedule; in other
words, which company/which employees are to carry out specific tasks so that
the date for completion of the project can be met.
Process management includes checking the economic viability as well as checking
whether certain expenses can be outsourced. When these questions have been
clarified, the people responsible should agree on a high level of commitment
with themselves and their partners. Self-assured project managers are thus able
to achieve a balance between what is needed and what is feasible. A logbook for
the project creates security and is a good basis for ongoing control, which is
also absolutely necessary for the next phase, implementation.
2. Essential factors during the project
At project meetings the project manager must not only be able to answer
functional questions, but also be able to clarify strategic issues. This makes
it all the more important that they are able to make a good presentation – also
in front of a lot of people. The better they can visualize in this connection,
the easier it is to get everyone on board and moving in the same direction. In
many cases it is the technical details that are the issue. This leads to a
situation where perceptions and mindsets are focused only on processes. But you
mustn't just see processes in a project; rather, you must especially consider
the people who are involved.
Therefore, project managers should be confident in
conflict management techniques in addition to their specialist knowledge. It is
important to pay attention to everyone involved, especially in case of
disruption or problems. Management doesn't mean commanding people, it has more
to do with motivation, which arises especially through esteem and appreciation.
A good climate has a
tremendous effect. Early integration of all those who are involved ensures
motivation and that everyone has an overview. Flexible thinking and endurance
are needed to overcome hindrances. Crisis and risk management includes the
willingness to negotiate and find solutions that suit all the partners. Project
managers shouldn't simply present the people involved with a solution, but
should get everyone on board at an early stage, even if this takes more time in
some cases. In the long term, the time spent informing and integrating the
people concerned always pays off.
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