So, you’re panicking: you’ve been given specific goals, maybe with very short notice, that you have to meet with exceptional results. But, where do you start? How can you be sure you’ll be successful? What team members do you need involve? These are just a few of the questions many people find themselves asking in business, and it can seem overwhelming (to say the least). Good news: we’re here to help you! We know all too well how stressful and overwhelming business can be, so we’ve compiled 3 scenarios in which individuals and businesses often find themselves in where utilizing project management is the best option and why. Read below to learn how to help yourself, and your business, succeed:
1. You need to implement a new system, technology, or process to secure a more efficient, effective, and sustainable business model
Whether you’ve been told by recent legislation, or by upper management, that you and your team need to implement a new system, technology, or change your processes, it is a stressful time. You have to begin looking at all areas of business, including who else might need to be tied into your system, who needs to use and access the technology, and who (both within your company and without) is going to affected by a change in process. Even with a great team, it is extremely difficult to make sure you’re thinking of every important task, not missing any details or steps, and considering all the risks. Luckily, there is a simple solution, and that is securing a reputable project manager to help. By hiring a project manager you’re making wise budget decisions in order to create a lasting and successful solution, despite the upfront cost. Effective project management ensures that every detail is evaluated, road blocks are overcome quickly, and that the ultimate result will fit seamlessly into your company and user structure. Without proper management, projects can take more time than needed, and cost more than budgeted. Critical steps in the process can be missed, causing a trickle-down effect of costly delays and problems. Hiring a skilled project manager provides the peace of mind you need to know that every aspect is covered, and that the results will reflect your company’s high standards of excellence.
2. You are behind on a project or meeting a goal, and your team is stuck not knowing how to proceed
It is an unfortunate thing, but individuals often find themselves in a situation where they are behind schedule, close to going over budget, late on meeting a goal, and to top it off, they and their team are unclear of how to fix the problem. Feeling stuck often leads to loss of company morale and can begin to jeopardize people’s jobs. Investing money on outside project management resources is usually a last resort, but it is actually the best life-line available. A good project manager can come into your chaos, and quickly identify the real problem that caused things to go sideways. They can then work to revitalize the spirit and buy-in from the client team and come up with a quick and efficient solution to get back on schedule. The solutions and goals that are created when employee input is sought and constructively utilized by an experienced project manager are often some of the best a company might implement. Companywide buy-in from the team is immense, and often problems that might have caused even more trouble down the line are identified and resolved, with the internal team understanding how to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
3. There is a large change or shift coming or has just happened, at your company
Change is never easy, and it is one of the greatest stresses in every business today. Yet, itt is a fact of business – something that will always be in flux. So, how can the stress of say, having a new CEO come into a company, or a merger between two companies, be made easier? Once again, project management is a simple solution, but one that is not always utilized. The tendency is to close ranks when change is coming, suck it up and just survive. Project management is not usually the first thought when a company is going through a big change, but it should be. The reason? Having an objective third party to manage a change allows them to step in, help everyone catch a glimpse of the big picture and provide a sense of calm readiness to face, and embrace, whatever is coming.
There are hundreds of examples of business scenarios where it is a smart decision to utilize project management, and these three are just a few of the ones we’ve seen recently. Throughout all of them, it is important to think outside of the box and consider what project management can do, and when it can be utilized. Surprisingly, the best “when” is in the pre-project stage as plans are just beginning to be developed. When facing difficult business scenarios, consider hiring a qualified project manager to help you – it might just turn out to be the best decision of your career.
Interested in learning more about how project management could help your business problem? Contact us today for an exclusive strategy session! If you’re interested in learning more, and discussing other issues, email Kim West, or connect with us on LinkedIn and Facebook.