Project Managing the Holidays…

It’s official, the summer holidays are done but does anyone else feel like 6 weeks of school holidays is like running a project? Here are five similarities I have certainly spotted over the years:

1. Let’s scope out what we are doing, what are your requirements, are they realistic? How much risk does it involve, who will I be dependent on to get these tasks done?
2.  Planning is key. Without a plan and constant communication, it’s chaos. You need to know what might impact you and the team and if it does, how will you manage it?
3.  What is the cost looking like, we all need to be realistic so let’s talk budget.
4.  Now to execute your plan, are we on track? Could anything derail the plan that you might not have already thought of? If so, how are we managing those risks and well, let’s not forget the issues because they will happen!
5. Manage your stakeholders and sponsors always. I cannot stress how important this piece is, and the most important in delivering a project or programme successfully. Communicate, manage expectations always, be transparent and never over promise (especially with a 5-year-old who thought going to Disneyland was like taking a trip to our local supermarket).

So, the first school runs of the new term completed, happy kids who were excited about getting back to school and still came home smiling after the first day. Long may it continue!

Note: This short article is not meant for an abundance of professional insight but if it brought a smile to your face and got your head nodding then hopefully you got something out of it. Have a wonderful week! #projectlife #change #communication #planning #stakeholdermanagement