Hi! Summer is almost here. It is a beautiful sunny, shiny day. I hope that you feel the same way. I want to spend all of my time outdoors, parks with wonderful flowers and at the beach of course. Don’t you feel the same? However, both you and I have a lot to do on our work at this time of the year, right? So many projects coming up, so many deadlines to stick, so much documentation work, many meetings to catch… But do not get overwhelmed by the things you need to do ahead. I will tell you about my deep secrets in project management in order to save time, add value and take pleasure from what you are doing.
First of all, you have got to be your own mentor and motivator. When you get up in the morning, be aware that this day is a brand new gift and promise yourself that you will do the best in order to succeed new things to honor it. Play a song that motivates you. I like “Feeling Good” from Michael Bublé which really works like a charm! You need to feel happy in order to make others happy with your work. It is a golden rule!
Secondly, use a “TO-DO” list. Prepare it at the beginning of the day when you sit on your desk. Write down every single detail you have to do on a daily basis and revise it. You can either write it on a paper or on your computer. But always put realistic deadlines for the end of your work. In fact it will be nice to use the Google calendar or another calendar that works for you. This will trigger you to do your work on time and even earlier. Then share your list with your team members and delegate the things you expect from them.
Always be clear on what you expect from your colleagues or team members. But being clear does not mean being rude. Be clear and polite on the items you expect them to be done. And be clear especially about the timelines. If there are any hesitations, talk to them. Remember that clear, bold, positive communication has a great role in success. As Celestine Chua once said: “Success is 99% attitude and 1 % aptitude.” Be supportive on the tasks that need to be done. Be open to your mates and convince them that you will give support when they are in need, including doing the work personally when necessary.
Use time wisely and do not schedule so many meetings and waste people’s time with unnecessary conversations. If you are having so many meetings on the same subject, this is an indicator of a problem there. So, stop and go over the project from top to bottom yourself. Pay attention to details! Highlight the issues and the information that should be shared with the group. Give some time to your team members in order to brainstorm and evaluate and then do the meeting at a proper time in order to reach a solution or get their ideas with your members.
Be open to new ideas and do not be so judgmental. Listen to people’s ideas and evaluate them with respect. You cannot always come up with a solution alone by yourself so have the wisdom to accept others’ valuable ideas and help. At the end of the day success comes from a collaborative work.
Finally, you have a prize. You are a winner! Share your enthusiasm with others. And celebrate your victory with your mates in each step of your work.
Do you agree? Please share your comments. Have a wonderful week !