Suppose you have been assigned with a new project at the office, you are grateful for the opportunity, yet nervous because it is your first time managing a project. What then? Well, to a simple mind the term project management might sound a bit much. In some ways it is, and success or failure will depend on the nature of the work and the industry one is in, the size and magnitude, the intensity and rigor of the method of project management required may differ too.

At the simplest, it may just be the simple identification and definition of the various activities and tasks with assigned roles and responsibilities together with clear timelines and key delivery milestones. At the extreme, it may involve the full rigor of project management best practices using robust Project Management (PM) methodology and adoption of the various automated toolsproje such as; Microsoft Office Project, complete with recruitment of fully qualified full time project manager (s) or director(s) to manage the complex process.

Managing a Project

It is true that not many people are blessed with high-quality management skills. But, it doesn’t mean that there is no room for improvement. One can simply use some common sense, gain some experience, do things systematically and in an organized manner, and most importantly, have a positive approach towards the tasks to be completed in order to successfully manage a project. These skills get polished with time and experience.

Basic Steps to Successfully Manage A Project

Make a Plan

Planning is key. It might take some effort initially, but in the long-run having a clearly defined project plan will save you time, money, and a lot of headaches once the project kicks off. Also, you need to be flexible with your plan, just in case of any difficulty encountered along the way.

Determine Available Resources

This includes personnel, equipment, and money you need or have available to achieve the project goals and objectives?

Pick a Team

Getting a good team that can seamlessly work together with others as well as, operate equipment is essential.

Create a Timeline

Break down tasks into stages and establish deadlines on when you expect the goals and objectives to be completed. Knowing how long each stage takes to complete enables you to keep the project on track.

Use Project Management (PM) Tools

Project management software tools are indispensable in the life of a project. These software tools, for example, Microsoft Office Project, help you streamline your workflow as well as enable you to make quick changes or adjustments. Speaking of PM tools, get free Project Planning Budget Worksheet Templates

You can also get free custom Project Timeline Templates for PowerPoint, Word & PDF. Check it out you will be amazed by what you get for free.

As earlier mentioned, successfully managing a project depends upon a number of factors but these few steps should get you started on a small scale project and with the use of project management software, you will surely complete your project with no hiccups.