Project takeover – where do I start?

Project takeover – three tips on how to start

You’ve been in the organization for a year or two. Learning the business, trying to soak it all in, and noticing there is a definite lack of organization around projects and servicing your customers.  This is not a secret from management, but they are not sure what to do about it. Finally, they see you trying to wrangle the alligators, and they decide to assign you to manage an ongoing project working on updates to their software product.

You’re not sure if this is an opportunity for advancement or failure, but you’re excited to get more responsibility and to prove yourself. What do you do first!?

Understand the project

Make sure you understand what the project is about and what you’re trying to accomplish. Talk with the sponsors and stakeholders so that you both know what “done” looks like.  Review the project documentation to date. Agree on that point before you move too far forward. Go and talk with the team members and get their understanding of what they think they are doing. You might be surprised at what they think. Gather that information and put together your plan.

Basic project management

Once you’re clear on what the project is to achieve, ensure the project documents reflect that.  If project documentation doesn’t exist, create the basics: a project charter and a project plan.  A charter is a one-page document that describes the project.  The project plan includes detail on the deliverables, scope, schedule, communication, human resources, and risk.

If you’re very new, and you’re not sure what these are, check out ProjectManagement.com and the PMI.org site for templates and descriptions. There are many good books and classes out there as well to help with the basics. We’ve got some templates here on ProProjectManager.com.

Communication is the key

As a new leader, it’s important that you keep up the communication with the team and the stakeholders. Make sure you’re meeting with your project team periodically – probably at least one per week. Each team is different, and as you work with them you’ll understand how often you need to check in with folks. Make sure you know how they like to keep in touch. Some folks prefer email, some voicemail, and for some, you’ll never really get their information without talking with them.

As a project manager, your job is to make sure the work is getting done. You need to be talking with your team to ensure work is moving forward.

Getting your first project is very exciting. You may feel unprepared. Your management has confidence in you so get a good feel for the project, put together your plan, and stay in touch with your team and stakeholders. Is there more to project management than these tips? Yes, of course. Everyone needs to walk before they run, so start moving!

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