sharpen-magazine-issue-16

24 • SHARPEN
Project management,
although considered
a highly demanding
function and the
subject of many leadership
and management courses,
can be accomplished
with relative ease and
convenience. One way to
ensure a practical project
management strategy is
by following these four
basic steps.
1. Goal Setting
When it comes to goal setting, it is not
sufficient, merely, to plot out a project’s
set of objectives. One crucial matter, which
each project management officer can keep
in mind, is to be realistic. Now, how do we
exactly ensure that goals are set under
realistic terms? One way to do this, is
through team consultation. It is imperative
that all those, who will eventually
participate in the venture, get to express
their own recommendations, regarding the
specifics of the project, and that the team,
as a cohesive unit, agrees on these specifics
before the project is set in motion.
that comprise one’s team, it becomes
easier to determine the right and practical
distribution of tasks and responsibilities.
Moreover, a team leader, who is familiar
with his or her team is more adept in
providing tailored sources of motivations to
every member of the project unit.
3. Performance Tracking
One of the most common mistakes,
committed by project management
officers, is to let his or her team push
through on their own, as soon as the
project has launched, or has reached
a specific peak. Even if one’s team
is composed of the most skilled and
knowledgeable of individuals, this should
not be the case. Consistent performance
tracking is crucial to ensure that the
project stays on its proper track, and that
the individual responsibilities of team
members have the required support.
4. Celebrating Triumph
A post mortem is not to solely map out
encountered concerns, or issues during the
course of the project, and how these can
be avoided in the future. Post mortem is
2. Targeted Delegation
Deciding who does what, before a
project jumps into the implementation
phase, is vital. With this in mind, project
management officers should be familiar
with their team members’ strengths and
weaknesses. By knowing the individuals
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