Project Hero Blog - Weekly Best Practices and Tips

As project managers, we have a great responsibility to organize and manage the work of projects for our project sponsors and clients. The effort we put into this sometimes makes it difficult or impossible for us to be as personally organized as we might want or need. Unfortunately this might reflect poorly on our project management efforts, so we need to be as efficient and effective as...

I recently volunteered to coach and mentor adult learners in an organization which is putting some of their staff through a project management training program.  When wrapping up a session a couple of weeks ago, I got a surprising question.  "Should I get my PMP certificate?  What about all the other certifications?  My boss is very pro Lean Six Sigma."

To start with, the...

According to the PMBOK® Guide, communications is 75-90% of the work of a project manager.  However, it's important to note that it is not just about talking. The work of a project manager includes writing reports, giving presentations, engaging with stakeholders, conducting meetings, training, mentoring, and of course, a large dose of active listening. In addition, other core or...

Projects generate vast amounts of data beyond the regular retrospectives and lessons learned. As the project progresses, collect and index this data.

Project data and documents contain information such as:

• Plans and changes to plans (e.g., budget management plan, schedules)
• Performance of the project and people involved (e.g., the metrics)
• Value and benefits the project provided
• Problems faced...

Leaving a key stakeholder out of project decision-making may have consequences. Stakeholders that are affected may have an interest in or power over your project. If left out, they may not care, but some may have hurt feelings, or worse yet, want to cause harm to your project. It is always better to over, rather than under identify stakeholders - you can always remove someone from the list, but...

Last week, we looked at the importance of having project management tools.  To close that part of the discussion off, hive.com states that 77% of high performing projects use some form of project management software. 

This week, let's consider how to make sure you are getting the right tools. Here are 6 important points to consider in your search for the best project management tools....

As the size of projects grow, the project manager must scale efforts to meet the growing needs.  Project management becomes a full time job.  Some larger projects even have project management teams and project control specialists to help. But having the right tools can help anyone work more efficiently and effectively. 

Let's just take a look at one example - scheduling. ...

What are the 5 project management processes?  Regardless of the project life cycle or methodology you use, all projects go through 5 overarching processes, more correctly referred to as "process groups."  Some large projects may be divided into project phases and each phase should also go through the 5 processes.  Following these process groups and the processes they contain...

Predictability helps organizations more effectively and efficiently manage people, cash, and other resources.  And predictable projects usually finish sooner than others as well.

I often hear talk about how unpredictable projects are because <insert any excuse here>. By following some good and best practices and continuously improving, you will find that over time, your projects...

Studies have shown that roughly 56% of projects failing projects have poor communications as a factor. Whether you are presenting or just having a meeting, having strong communication skills is critical for project managers. Here are 5 essential practices to work on:

1. Develop and rehearse an elevator pitch. Be able to provide a quick 30-second message about the primary goals and benefits of...