Project Management
The phrase Project Management (“PM”) can have multiple meanings depending on who is describing it. It has become somewhat of a buzzphrase in business these days, which can cause a lot of confusion. I’m finding that many people and companies who don’t understand Project Management aren’t applying the techniques correctly. I realize that it can be very overwhelming for someone who doesn’t live and breathe it every day. I want to simplify PM for you and get you what you need. Here at The Happiness Bucket, I focus on teaching techniques that work and that build a happy, respectful and collaborative team. I want to help you see your projects through to the end, successfully. It takes the overwhelm away and breaks the process of managing a project down into manageable pieces.
My Project Management Technique
I use a homegrown hybrid waterfall and agile project management approach. I developed this methodology because I found it difficult to find instructions on how to apply agile to implementation, process improvement, upgrades and other types of non-product development projects. Most agile training, at the time, focused on product development. I was able to develop my own techniques, which develop successfully collaborative teams. It also ensures successful non-developmental projects of all types. Although this method was developed with non-developmental projects in mind it can be used for developmental projects as well. You will learn :
- How to develop teams that work well together, whether they are inclusive of your clients or not.
- You will be able to manage both in-person and virtual teams.
- How to fully understand the needs and wants of your clients and key stakeholders.
- How to build project requirements, which is the foundation for a successful project.
- What truly works in a team atmosphere, taking away the idea of my task vs. your task and looking at our tasks as a team.
- How to manage the project as a whole to ensure you have considered all the pieces to the puzzle.
- How to identify gaps in your plan and also eliminate those items that aren’t necessary to the success of your project.
- Much much more!
Overall, the technique is about full disclosure and being above reproach. It’s about learning what works for your environment and your needs as a team. Ultimately, it’s about teamwork, adaption, and collaboration.
Project Management Professional Certification
The one disclaimer I must make here is that I am focused on completing successful projects, with a truly collaborative team. My teachings are not meant to prepare you to take the PMP (or any other) certification exam. I specify this because it would be irresponsible of me to let you think that all these tips and tricks will aid you in that regard. The PMP (and any other) certification exam is not easy and requires a deeper level of thinking and understanding regarding Project Management practices. Its main purpose is to make sure you know ALL the tools in the PM toolbox. You should know the proper way to use PM tools. Once you do, you can tweak them and/or omit them based on your specific environmental needs. If certification is your goal, I recommend you study separately for that exam. I also encourage you to partake in a PMP certification boot-camp to hone in on the skills you may not know. Now as always, I encourage you to get involved. Ask questions, share your experiences and be a part of this collaborative team. Your tools may help someone else build their toolbox and the conversation is a tool in and of itself. If you don’t see a topic that you have a question about post it, so we can continue the conversation. I look forward to our ongoing collaboration.