Projects are everywhere. You’re either part of one or managing one, even if you aren’t qualified to do so! In fact, many people have received little to no training in project management, but manage to deliver with structure and clear communication – skills critical to project success.
STRUCTURE: Why it matters
Whatever the size of your project, a structured approach to project management is vital for delivering projects on time, on budget and to give you the desired results. The Project Management Institute’s “Pulse of the Profession” survey (2020), sites why structure matters:
- 52% experience ‘scope creep’, leading to going over budget and missing deadlines. A defined project structure helps manage and control scope, ensuring changes are properly evaluated and approved.
- 44% face challenges or delays, due to ineffective change management. A structured methodology includes processes for handling changes and ensuring they are implemented smoothly.
- 43% fail due to unclear goals and objectives and 35% fail due to a lack of accountability and unclear roles. Without a structured project methodology and framework to define responsibilities, it becomes difficult to define clear, actionable roles and goals from the start – leading to confusion and misdirection.
Surviving projects
Unlock the power of effective project management with our comprehensive workshop, the Project Management Survival Guide™, designed for anyone involved in delivering projects, regardless of experience.
This practical workshop gives you the essential structure and tools to plan, execute and deliver projects – on time and within budget. Learn to avoid common pitfalls, manage stakeholders, resources and risks, and gain real-world insights from expert coaching and case studies. You’ll leave with the skills to reduce project failures and make an immediate impact at work. Find out more about the workshop.
GOOD COMMUNICATION: The backbone of successful projects
Whether you’re managing or contributing to a project, clear, consistent and effective communication ensures clarity of goals, expectations and timelines. Without strong communication, even the most well-structured project plans falter.
33% of project failures are attributed to poor communication. A structured methodology and ensures that communication channels are clearly defined, allowing teams to stay aligned and informed throughout the project lifecycle.
Every project involves a variety of stakeholders, each with unique preferences, roles and needs. So you need a diverse range of communication tools, techniques and strategies, to adapt to different situations, audiences and challenges.
PRACTICE SAFELY: Understanding and engaging with your stakeholders
Stakeholder Engagement™ teaches you how to identify stakeholders, understand their needs and develop effective communication strategies. But the real benefit of this simulation is the hands-on element, letting you practice what you have learnt, in real time, without the costs an implication of getting your message wrong! Find out more about the workshop.
DEALING WITH TOUGH QUESTIONS: Lead by example
Think on Your Feet® helps you to communicate clearly and confidently under pressure. In fast-moving projects, quick thinking and being able to turn complex information into an understandable story are vital for solving problems, making decisions and keeping stakeholders informed. This workshop helps you organise your thoughts, tailor messages to different audiences and deliver concise responses – all with little or no time to prepare! Find out more about the workshop.
Writing Dynamics™ provides participants with the skills to write clear, concise and impactful communications. No-one wants a 30-page document when 3 pages will convey the same message. Engaging writing creates engaging proposals, reports and updates that stakeholders understand and want to act on. The workshop teaches you the tricks professional writers use to structure writing, engage readers and avoid jargon. Better writing reduces confusion, saves you (and your reader) time and keeps projects on track. Find out more about the workshop.
The Skilled Presenter™ helps with one of the most feared parts of management – the dreaded presentation. At some point in a project, it’s likely you will have to present results or updates. Learning performance skills, controlling nerves and most importantly focusing on the STRUCTURE and content of your message builds trust, boosts collaboration and ensures project goals are clearly communicated. Find out more about the workshop.
Sources:
https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/forging-future-focused-culture-11908
