Project Management Basics

Why do many projects fail / fall short of their stated goals?

It is due to the lack of proper communication not technical incompetence.

After 30 years of managing IT projects, I am absolutely convinced of the previous statement.

What do I mean by "proper communication"? Proper communication is not based on the:

1. Volume, clarity or frequency of communication - which are important.
2. Project Communication Matrix - which is important.
3. Timely meeting announcements with agendas and attachments are helpful.
4. The clever use of e-mails and PowerPoint presentations - are helpful.
5. Colorful and creative Excel spreadsheets with "time phased" project tasks, scheduled start & completion dates, actual start & completion dates, estimated cost & actual cost and the individuals responsible - which is an excellent communications tool.
6. A MicroSoft Project plan with all of the nice Gantt Charts and PERT diagrams - which is an excellent tool for the Project Manager and Project Team.
7. Minimizing "scope creep" by using proper Change Control documents - mutual agreement to a change, after careful impact analysis of the (time, quality & cost) - is a great tool.

It’s the way in which you communicate - your soft skills which are the most critical:

1. Do you evoke trust in people?
2. Do you say "Hi" to people and do they say "Hi" to you?
3. Do people find it easy to talk to you?
4. Do you take time to LISTEN to people - not just management and colleagues, but the little guys (who are oftentimes the best source of information and without whose cooperation the project will FAIL)?
5. At the Project Kick Off Meeting be sure to make each individual aware of "What's in it for them", if the project succeeds.
6. Frequently remind individuals of "What's in it for them", if the project succeeds.
7. Be sure to CELEBRATE and build upon the small successes, along the way, to the BIG success at the project's completion.
8. People do like to "pat themselves on the back", so build into the Project Plan these small successes (deliverables) and their celebrations.
9. People do appreciate coffee and pastry at meetings, so build them into the project's budget.