Project planning seems never-ending and is very dynamic. Once a plan is created, it’s out of date. Project activities can change so rapidly.
The best approach to planning is to engage the actual project resources in determining project tasks, activities, and duration. Even when this happens, the information received is probably off. I’ve been there as a project resource providing feedback to the project manager. I was very optimistic and thought I could jump through hoops. My intentions were good but wrong.
As a project manager, I know this. The project resources I’m working with are for the most part top notch. Most have committed to doing whatever it takes to get the project done. I appreciate the enthusiasm and can do attitude. But at the same time, I realize these are unrealistic expectations.
We have target dates for milestones. We are marching towards our goals. There will be lots of things to detract us from our project tasks and activities. Many things will take longer than we thought. The project schedule will ebb and flow and be wrong. But somehow, we need to find a way to resolve issues and put contingencies in place.
Planning is constant. For a project manager, it doesn’t end. I’m always in planning mode. Some how, some way, my primary job is to get more out of people than anyone else might have thought. I also need to act as a filter to keep “noise” from project resources. I get to remove (or go around) obstacles that may get in the way.
Project management is part science and part art. It takes a fair amount of experience and quite a bit of luck. So wish me luck!
