3.Implementation: just remember, it is always tricky! Try to keep implementation as simple as possible and have a rollback strategy in place. How you react to unexpected issues will make difference between success and failure. Don’t demoralize a team working long hours by letting critical decisions hang or go unanswered. Make sure that everyone on team is in communication loop and has a stake in project. By same token, don’t be afraid to use rollback strategy if unexpected events sabotage timeline.

4.Reflection: is your most valuable tool. We all learn a lot after project is over about what or how we might have done something differently. It is helpful to keep a written log during project. The log can also be used as a tool after project is over to figure out how things could have been improved. A post-project team meeting where all team members can contribute to feedback is warranted and will produce valuable information from all stakeholders.

Project managers should take time to learn from formal methodologies and utilize help from mentors and other experienced project managers. In my humble estimation, though, there is no substitute for “hands-on” approach to project management and planning. Regardless of methodology or set of ideals you start out with, nothing will replace amount of sweat, teamwork, hard work and personal involvement required to successful project management. You can reduce number of problems and issues you deal with, however, by following these four simple guidelines.

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