As with any goal or activity to get any percentage chance of success, you need to know what the end point, or success, is. What are you aiming for? What is the purpose of beginning the activity? The same applies with projects.
A project, be it a multi-million dollar construction development, or a scrapbook, needs to have an end point - that particular final event which marks completion. Whatever the scope the end point needs to be identified before the project begins. It could be domestic, a new kitchen installed, decorated and working; paint a bedroom; install a water heater etc. It could be industrial, install and commission a piece of machinery; implement a safety management system; design and build an accounting package etc. Or it could be personal, run a marathon; drop 2 clothes sizes, walk the Kokoda Trail; climb Everest etc.
Each project is different and each has a unique defined end point. To be successful in managing a project, you need to define (or have defined for you) that end point. So begin with the end in mind.
Similarly to goal setting; the end point can be more easily defined using SMART as an acronym.
Specifically stated - Stated positively in present tense
Measurable - What will I see, hear, smell, taste, feel and touch upon completion
Achievable - Can I achieve it by myself, what input do I need from others?
Resources - What resources do I need?
Time based and Towards - When precisely will this outcome happen?
Whilst it’s possible to hit an invisible target, it is much easier to plan and to hit a visible one. So get defining.
What you need to know to make better decisions
At last – discover the reason why that other persons completely crazy decision making is annoying you so much, and what to do about it. Understand how to understand someone who is your total opposite and how to use this knowledge to make better decisions for yourself.
How to Improve Communications between Big Picture Thinkers and Detail Focusers
I am often asked by clients to assist with a working relationship which has stalled or worse one which has broken down completely.Occasionally this stalling is as a result of different personalities simply not understanding each other.A frequent cause is the Big Picture Thinker clashing with a Specific Detail Thinker. Each is a valuable contributor to an organisation and if either is stuck and inflexible in their thinking each becomes incapable of understanding or communicating with the other.
Put Your Best Person Forward
The media keeps telling us that are we are in tough economic times; people are spending less and being much more choosey. And still I am surprised that businesses are putting the WRONG people into front counter and customer interaction positions.
