A Simple Plan

How to run a great project

Implementation = Stated Objectives
Your job is to determine how best to implement deliverables to meet stated objectives:

• If technology or objectives are not yet known, then ensure definition, funding, and alignment with key stakeholders 
• Perform the full life-cycle execution work 
• Along the way, coach and train employees in preparation for project closure and transition to production support 

Recipe for Success

• INITIATE by defining objectives, funding, and stakeholder alignment 
• Agree on how to CONTROL the project  
• EXECUTE against the plan and allow for course corrections 
• DELIVER and delight the client!

Initiate

• Establish the methodology to be used
• Memorize the Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®)" guide. Please note: PMBOK® is a registered trademark of the Project Management Institute and is referenced here in the spirit of education and open content.
• Integrate with company’s methodology
• Define roles & responsibilities
• Define the communication plan

Control

• Assess project health and constraints
• Are desired timeline, cost/resource plan, and quality/scope in balance?
• Ask this question daily and course correct
• Review with project leads weekly
• Escalate to senior management at least monthly

Execute

• Establish key work streams and control points
• Establish Integration points
• Create processes for:

1. on-going scope control
2. plan and budget updates
3. decision models
4. issues/risk management
5. test and quality management
6. team staffing
7. procurement
8. hand off points
9. standards

Deliver

• Prepare for production release
• What are the go-live criteria?
• Who is responsible for measurement and approval?
• Plan for:

1. post production stabilization
2. project closure
3. transition to long-term maintenance
4. Conduct lessons learned

Project Lines to Live By

• Communication is 95% of the picture
• Lead with a carrot, not a stick
• Lead by example
• Sit on the three-legged stool every day (are time, cost, and quality in balance?)
• Manage by walking around
• Start and end the day with this question: Are we doing the right thing?
• You always miss 100% of the shots you don’t take
• Have fun, make fun