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Step 04: Own the planning process

Bernie Klinder, Contributor

In project management, effective planning is everything. One of the worst mistakes you can make as a project manager is to rush the planning process or to implement a plan that isn't yours. You may not have the option of refusing to take on a project, or insisting on your plan, but you need to be aware of this pitfall. If you're replacing a project manager, review their plans carefully and make adjustments as needed. If your project plan came from senior management, you'll have to negotiate changes carefully. The ultimate responsibility for the projects success or failure is yours. If you take the time to plan effectively, you'll spend less time putting out fires and making excuses to your sponsors.

 

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12 STEPS TO PROJECT MANAGEMENT SUCCESS

  Home: Introduction
  Step 01: Identify sponsors and stakeholders
  Step 02: Get a champion in top management
  Step 03: Clear goals and achievable, objective deliverables
  Step 04: Own the planning process
  Step 05: Establish a methodology
  Step 06: Be honest about your abilities
  Step 07: Make sure you have the resources
  Step 08: Assemble the best team you can
  Step 09: Communicate early and often
  Step 10: Establish clear metrics
  Step 11: Keep your deliverables in mind
  Step 12: Know when to ask for help

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
 
Bernie Klinder, MVP, consultant
Bernie Klinder is a technology consultant for a number of Fortune 500 companies. He is also the founder and former editor of LabMice.net, a comprehensive resource index for IT professionals who support Microsoft Windows NT/2000/XP/2003 and Back Office products. For his contributions to the information technology community, Bernie was selected as an MVP (Most Valuable Professional) by Microsoft. Copyright 2004 TechTarget
 


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