The job of a project manager is full of a lot of excitement and challenges. At times, it is exciting to lead a team, give out orders and make things work on your own. On the other hand, it is full of challenges as the manager is responsible for every right or wrong decision in a project. Now, for an experienced project manager taking decisions and handling the team is easy as pie. But for a newbie it can be a scary job and due to low experience they are bound to commit some serious mistakes.
The irony is that despite having sophisticated project management tools, new managers fail to avail its benefits to the fullest. But the point is as a new manager in the office, you will be expected to behave as an experienced professional who doesn’t leave room for even the slightest of errors and mistakes. Yes, that’s right. Through this article, I intend to bring to your awareness the mistakes a new project manager knowing which would help you to save your career and reputation.
Taking Over the Entire Project in One Go
So, you are the new and enthusiastic manager who has just stepped in his new responsibility. As a new manager, it is obvious to have the anxiety to prove oneself. But in lieu of this anxiety, most newbies make the mistake of biting off more than they can chew. Due to lack of experience they tend to take over the whole project in just one go which leads to immediate failure.
Solution: You can avoid this mistake by identifying small attainable goals and limiting your management to achieve those. If a client’s demand or expectation falls outside the project scope then don’t be hesitant to say no to it. Breaking the project into small manageable chunks can make your job of project management easier.
No Plan B
In order to build their reputation, many rookies make the mistake of committing to tight deadlines without keeping room for unexpected delays. This is a good practice to ensure everyone works with full dedication towards the project and in most cases the target is achieved even. But in a rare case where there are so many people working on a project, there can be chance of failure as well.
Solution: It is always good to keep an extra time say a week beyond the estimated duration of a project. This is because failing to deliver the project on a rigid deadline can ruin your reputation badly than asking for few extra days. You can invest in a good online project management tool where you can clearly define tasks, estimate deadlines and keep everyone on the same page. If you plan to work in an organized manner, you will win over your boss’ faith and your team’s dedication.
Ignoring the TEAM
The success of a project isn’t single person’s effort. It is a combined effort and dedication of the all team members who have contributed to it in more or less form. But many new project managers turn a blind eye to team members and stakeholders. They forget that their every single decisions affects all others involved in a project. Ignoring team and stakeholder expectations and working with a ‘I’ will do everything philosophy ultimately leads to disasters.
Solution: Identify people who are directly linked to their projects and then align your project goals to fulfill their expectations. Involve them in every new decision and keep them updated about all project related information. An online project management tool is the best way to collaborate with your team members and share relevant information.
It is true that project management isn’t an easy job for someone who has just stepped in the role. But keeping note of useful information can definitely help us avoid disasters.
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