Here is the second part from my series of tweets on the top 20 things I have learned as a project manager. Here are numbers 10 - 1.

#10 - When a project starts getting behind schedule you need to address it right away as the schedule slippage can snowball very quickly.

#9 - Escalation is not a four letter word. Escalating issues is part of the PM's job and if done well will help keep the project on track.

#8 - The most important skill to develop as a PM is communication. The better you can communicate to others the better you can manage.

#7 - Estimating tasks as a team will usually be more accurate than having individuals estimate tasks by themselves.

#6 - Trust but validate is your friend. Check with the team on the status of tasks ahead of their due date. Make sure they are not stuck

#5 - The only real failure is not learning. When things go awry document them for future reference.

#4 - Never hide issues. Be open and honest. It is better to say something is behind schedule than to tell them that the project has failed.

# 3 - Keep project documentation up to date, concise, and well written. Poorly written docs will cause unneeded rework and confusion.

# 2 - Do not try to create the prfect plan or schedule. There will be issues and changes. Plan ahead and be prepared.

# 1 - If you worry about getting fired you probably will be. Focus on the work, be confident and be positive.