Snippet 2: Non-traditional project management tips

1. Pay attention to everything - but not too long!

   Unless you are blessed with the "the perfect project", you will usually be too busy to give everything your full attention until it is resolved.

   Project management involves looking at details, understanding them, acting as necessary (based on priorities and availability of resources), and moving on to the next detail. (Another more important aspect of project management is managing the order of the details that you are looking at... that will be covered elsewhere).

2. Be ready to take action before being asked to (use your head)

   The Dutch boy who saved the Netherlands: The old story about the boy who put his finger in the dike to save the town from being flooded shows this type if initiative. But not every problem to pre-act upon is as clear.

   Improve your skills to know what to watch for. Don't over-react, and don't under-react! This technique comes with experience, and you can speed up the process by learning. Not always easy... and there are a few items in the list below to help you:

   • Know if the quality of your information is good, or if it is questionable
   • Determine if you are ready for different types of surprises or changes
   • Read up on case studies of successful and un-successful projects
   • Is everyone on your team aware of what is necessary, and are they reporting to you all of their important information?
   • Are any conflicts in the project, or in the team, causing you to not focus on other important areas?

3. Be a people-watcher - realize people's motivation and strengths

   People are imperfect. Don't dwell on that fact, just use it as a basis to understand that every day, everyone involved with you project (and your life) is moving forward based on their own personal history, beliefs, and desires. Learning to pay attention to the actions other people is important.

   Also important is paying attention to people's words. People will tell you more about their motives by "how" they say it rather than "what" they are saying. Unfortunately, if your command of the English language is not high, then you will have difficulty understanding the difference - for example:

   1. "We should proceed with your plan"
   2. "It could be a good idea to consider proceeding with your plan".

   The first sentence says "Go!" while the second sentence implies to "go", but only after thinking some more. The person who said the second sentence may have doubts - ask if they are there!

4. In addition to watching people, interact with them.

   This tip applies to social interaction, as well as political interaction. If you're not good at speaking with people, then work on it. Watch others who you see as being good at social skills, and learn from their actions. On the political front, realize that as a project leader, you will usually have certain "diplomatic" interactions with people - your clients, vendors, team members, other project leaders and management team members.

   You will almost certainly have to put your personal feelings aside in order to carry out normal business with people. You will also have to recognize what other people are looking for in you (and your team). Recognize that there are other people who have certain political power, and don't underestimate the importance of your interactions with them and their staff members.

5. Understand how to use your Gut Feelings - and not to

   "I can't trust my gut - I'm afraid it's not logical thinking to proceed in that way." 

   The source of your "instincts" is actually not completely illogical. It just that the result of hundreds of thoughts, emotions, memories, and facts cannot be nailed down and brought out in front of you for easy inspection.

   But, the downside is "thinking through your gut" - telling yourself that you have a gut feeling - which is dangerous. That thinking is actually optimism (or pessimism), which is just as valuable, but not when viewed as a "must act on Gut Feeling"!