Overcoming Project Overcoming Project Challenges:Challenges:

Ten Imperatives for SuccessTen Imperatives for SuccessJerry Manas, PMPJerry Manas, PMP

jmanas@marengogroup.com

#1 – Get the #1 – Get the Roles RightRoles Right• Identify all playersIdentify all players

• Use a Responsibility Matrix to Use a Responsibility Matrix to clarify accountabilityclarify accountability

• Insure one overall project Insure one overall project managermanager

““It’s better to have one bad general than two good ones.”It’s better to have one bad general than two good ones.”- Napoleon- Napoleon

#2 – Get the #2 – Get the Goals RightGoals Right

““Confusion of goals and perfection of means Confusion of goals and perfection of means seems, in my opinion, to characterize our age.”seems, in my opinion, to characterize our age.”

- Albert Einstein- Albert Einstein

• Output must define inputOutput must define input

• Ask the “Five Why’s”Ask the “Five Why’s”

• Obtain sponsor agreementObtain sponsor agreement

#3 – Get the #3 – Get the Current Scope Current Scope RightRight• Expect and Manage changeExpect and Manage change

• Have ForesightHave Foresight

• Aim for Piecemeal DeliveryAim for Piecemeal Delivery

• Capture lessons learnedCapture lessons learned

#4 – Obtain #4 – Obtain Stakeholder Stakeholder CommitmentCommitment• Including customers, senior Including customers, senior management, and vendorsmanagement, and vendors

• Clearly communicate goalsClearly communicate goals

• Clearly define relationshipsClearly define relationships

#5 – Identify #5 – Identify Success Factors Success Factors and Risksand Risks• Define what “done” looks likeDefine what “done” looks like

• Determine the important Determine the important enablersenablers

• Identify barriers and risksIdentify barriers and risks

#6 – Set #6 – Set ExpectationsExpectations• Explain and defend Explain and defend the right planthe right plan to meet the agreed-upon goalsto meet the agreed-upon goals

• Set expectations for time, cost, Set expectations for time, cost, uncertainties, and available uncertainties, and available resourcesresources

• Raise issues early!Raise issues early!

#7 – Beware of #7 – Beware of Conflicting DirectivesConflicting Directives

• Confirm the owner(s) of the Confirm the owner(s) of the projectproject

• Insure alignment or Insure alignment or agreementagreement

• Get this right before Get this right before proceeding!proceeding!

#8 – Plan #8 – Plan CollaborativelyCollaboratively• Planning is not a solo effortPlanning is not a solo effort

• MS/Project alone is not planningMS/Project alone is not planning

• Leverage subject matter expertsLeverage subject matter experts

• Consider COTW (Cards on the Consider COTW (Cards on the Wall) or Mind-Mapping softwareWall) or Mind-Mapping software

#9 – Avoid Rigid #9 – Avoid Rigid MethodologiesMethodologies• Beware of unilateral or “one size Beware of unilateral or “one size fits” all approachesfits” all approaches

• Consider checklists & principlesConsider checklists & principles

• Standardize selectivelyStandardize selectively

• Freedom breeds accountabilityFreedom breeds accountability

When to Use RulesWhen to Use RulesRules/Steps should only be used

for the most critical items where*:

1. Exact accuracy is needed

2. Safety is involved

3. A framework, standard or regulation must be adhered to.

* Source: Marcus Buckingham, First Break All the Rules

#10 – Don’t Let #10 – Don’t Let Rank Set You Off Rank Set You Off CourseCourse• Don’t be bullied into a failed project Don’t be bullied into a failed project

• It is the project manager’s It is the project manager’s responsibilityresponsibility to set the right to set the right expectations, warn of potential risks, expectations, warn of potential risks, and head off potential conflicting and head off potential conflicting directives at the passdirectives at the pass

Recap: Ten ImperativesRecap: Ten Imperatives1.1. Get the Roles RightGet the Roles Right2.2. Get the Goals RightGet the Goals Right3.3. Get the Current Scope RightGet the Current Scope Right4.4. Obtain Stakeholder CommitmentObtain Stakeholder Commitment5.5. Identify Success Factors & RisksIdentify Success Factors & Risks6.6. Set ExpectationsSet Expectations7.7. Beware of Conflicting DirectivesBeware of Conflicting Directives8.8. Plan CollaborativelyPlan Collaboratively9.9. Avoid Rigid MethodologiesAvoid Rigid Methodologies10.10. Don’t Let Rank Set you Off CourseDon’t Let Rank Set you Off Course

““No matter how far you’ve gone No matter how far you’ve gone down the wrong road, turn down the wrong road, turn back.”back.”

- Turkish Proverb- Turkish Proverb

Source: Dennis Littky, The Big Picture: Education is Everyone’s Business.

For More InformationFor More Information jmanasjmanas@marengogroup.com@marengogroup.com www.marengogroup.comwww.marengogroup.com www.PMThink.comwww.PMThink.com www.creatingweinstitute.comwww.creatingweinstitute.com

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