Monday Monday

The start of a new week is a perfect time to review last week's accomplishments and challenges for the project. Keep a log of these to help in preparing status reports and other project updates.

Terry (May 2012)

When putting together a project plan make sure to add in time for revieiwng the plan with others. This step is very important in communicating and acheiving buy in for the plan. Good project planning is a team excercise.

Here are 10 project management quick tips that I use on my projects.

#1 - At the end or beginning of each week take a look at the tasks for the next two weeks and verify their start, duration, and dependencies

#2 - Confirm with each owner with tasks due in next two weeks that they are on track and what they need from you and others to stay on track

#3 - Review risk list every week to determine if a risk is likely to be triggered. This way you can prep the mitigation steps just in case.

#4 - Regularly check status of other projects that can impact your resources or tasks so that you can invoke contigency plans if needed.

#5 - Read the last 2 weeks status reports to remind yourself of old issues or actions that have not been addressed.

#6 - Conduct a weekly checkpoint call or meeting with vendors to make sure they are on track and what they need from your team.

#7 - Use punch lists to list tasks needed to be completed when milestones are coming due. This helps you not miss anything.

#8 - Have regular reviews with stakeholders and sponsor. Use the time to resolve issues and show them progress to date.

#9 - Use flow charts or process diagrams to describe functionality on key functions. Pictures are your best friend!

#10 - At the end of the week jot down the three key things accomplished and the top issue of the week. These help you plan for next week.