Project Management – Avoid These 2 Common Misconceptions
November 15, 2017
Becoming an organization that is good at project management is not simple. While the basic concepts of project management are easily understood, there are a myriad of reasons why those concepts are not consistently and effectively put into action. Here are 2 of the most common misconceptions that get in the way:
1) A good project management tool will keep our projects on track. There is no question that a good project management tool can help with effective project management. Depending on the size and complexity of the organization, it might be an absolute necessity. But unfortunately, it won’t – on its own – make the organization good at project management.
A project management tool is invaluable for tracking tasks and clearly showing when projects are in trouble, but it can only do that when task statuses are reported realistically, and without undue optimism. For tips on how to ferret out accurate status assessments, read our blog, Project Management: 180,000 Definitions of On Track.
2) A good project manager will make us good at project management. Good project managers can be an important key to effective project management, but don’t expect automatic success. The greatest project manager won’t be able to shift the organization’s practices without the support and active involvement of senior leadership.
Read how Redwood Credit Union revamped its project portfolio management process, redefined senior management roles in that process, and took its project management capabilities to the next level in our c. notes, How a High-Performing Credit Union Upped Their Game.
And for some helpful thoughts on skill sets for project manager success, read our blog, 5 Musts of an Effective Project Manager.
