The work environment has evolved. It was once the case that the majority of us worked as part of a system either on one of the lines or managing interactions with customers or the other procedures. The processes are continuous, repeatable and never come to an end.
There will be some tasks and jobs that require a process; however, the majority of work is a project or includes a project element to it. Every task with a distinct beginning and end or has a defined time frame is a project. Examples of this include organizing a meeting for your company and writing a new brochure, or implementing the latest software system, and so on.
If the way we do our jobs has changed, it’s crucial to consider certain skills that can help us thrive in a new world. Below are nine ways that you can be more effective in helping ensure that the projects you are working on are more effective regardless of your particular task.
1. Learn about the ultimate purpose.
Because projects have an end date, it is essential that everyone involved in the project knows the final outcome. Stephen Covey teaches to “begin with the goal at the forefront.” This is essential to members of the team on projects. If you know what you want to achieve, it is easier to make individual decisions and lessen confusion and work.
2. Find distinct roles.
Each individual is an essential part of the puzzle. Be aware of your roles and the role of others. If you’re a team leader, make sure to define these roles for everyone. If you’re not a leader, make sure you fully understand what you can do to best contribute.
3. Collaborate.
Work on projects is often fluid and flowy. When you know your own responsibility and that of others, you’re better positioned to collaborate with them with greater ease. This isn’t merely an enjoyable thing to be doing. It’s essential for the achievement of the project. Explore ways and work together.
4. Be aware of interdependencies:
the larger an undertaking, the more connected and interdependent the people and the projects. Certain steps have to be completed before the others are completed. If you only see a little piece of the task and don’t realize the fact that getting it done two days earlier could affect the other tasks that are on the right track. If you are two days behind in one of your projects and the consequences on the final outcome could be long delays. There is no such thing as an isolated person. Your work, products, decisions and efforts impact the work of many other people. Be aware of and take care to work with the interdependencies that exist between you and those working on the project.
5. Ask questions.
The projects can be a bit complicated. Do not be afraid to ask questions to learn details about the issues that were mentioned earlier.
6. Communicate.
Answering questions is a way to communicate, and so are giving information and inquiring with other colleagues and coordinating schedules. If you’re a project leader, the importance of communicating cannot be overemphasized. If you’re a team member who is not the leader communicating is equally crucial. It’s not enough to leave it up to your leader. Be sure to check in with your fellow workers. Ask for their opinions. Find out when the parts you’ll need will be finished. Keep people informed of the progress you’ve made. Communicate!
7. Break it into smaller pieces.
Consider the major project steps and break them into manageable tasks that you can workaround. Breaking the project down into smaller tasks will be less overwhelming, and you’ll be able to see the interdependencies, and you’ll be more able to keep track of the project far more effectively. How do you feed an elephant? A bite at a time. Take the entire project, as well as your individual steps, into bite-sized chunks.
8. Take a look back at your previous projects.
If this project was carried out before, look for the lessons you learned from that experience to enhance your performance this time. Also, think about other projects you’ve been involved in. Even if the task was smaller or bigger and the objectives were different, there will be lessons you’ve learned from them that you can use for your next project. Things you have done very well and would like to replicate… as well as even things you would have done better than you could improve on in this particular project.
9. Consider the future.
Make a point to write down the best techniques and suggestions that you can use during the course of the project. It doesn’t matter if it’s an obligation that everyone in the project is required to complete or your own notes to aid you in constantly improving; investing in a few minutes now can make your contributions to the future of your projects more effective and valuable.
There are many other ways you can be a part of the success of your project. Use these suggestions to start with and a list of actions you could take regardless of the job you are playing. Implementing these suggestions can help you be more confident and effective in your position on the team that you work on and will assist in ensuring that your project’s goals are met far more effectively.
