Project Management-5: Achieve Results Efficiently

Summer comes and how about the project?

Everything feels great while munching on chocolates, flatbreads, and pastries… until summer hits. Then it’s: “Oh no, I’ve gained so much weight!” You rush to start working out, trying to fit back into your dress, bikini, pants, shorts, or suit—but by the time you’re halfway there, summer’s already over.

“Maybe next summer,” you say.

So what now? You end up buying new clothes to match your new body. And if you manage to slim down by next summer, those new clothes go to waste.

Time and money, down the drain.

So What’s the Plan?

We need to start thinking while dipping our waffle into Nutella. We need to occasionally check in on our weight, see how things are going.

The more often we check, the quicker we catch the changes.

And the same rule applies to project management.

No need for boring meetings, endless chatter, or pointless arguments with clueless teammates. Ask the real questions:

• Are we sticking to the schedule?
• What are the work packages? What’s the expected outcome?
• How close are we to that outcome?
• Is the budget still enough?
• Did we drift from the project scope? If so, does everyone know—or just us?
• Do we need urgent action?
• What are the open issues?
• What are the risks?
• And do we have a plan for those risks?

You know Nutella will make you gain weight. Do you have a plan for that?
If you say, “One time won’t hurt,” is it really just one time?
Or do you run 10 kilometers every time you indulge?

But Let’s Say You Caved

You couldn’t resist, and boom—now you’re 8.5 kilos heavier.
You thought you’d just start exercising, but do you have the budget for a gym?
If not, will home workouts with body weight be enough?
And will those fats really melt away before summer, or are you actually aiming to become a muscle machine?
Is that even realistic?

Now add a twist: Easter comes in the middle of all this that you need to fast.
There goes your workout plan.
So, what will you do? Wake up early on vacation to jog every morning?
Avoid sweets and pastries altogether? Or jog for miles every day to make up for it?

What’s the Goal Here?

How much do you need to run to be satisfied with the results?
Once you reach that satisfaction, will you stop working out? Or will you keep checking in now and then to maintain what you’ve built?

And are you doing all this for vacation? Or to fit into a suit for a summer wedding?
Or maybe—just maybe—this is about health.

This Is What Project Management Looks Like

This entire process? It’s just like managing a project.

Instead of sitting at the office, growing our behinds, we should catch it growing before it gets out of hand.
That requires regular check-ins and consistent tracking.

Depending on the size and importance of the project, the frequency of controls may change.
But the key is this:
Set priorities, know what needs to be done, and be able to see at any time how far you’ve come.

Because you never know—maybe you’ll get invited to a wedding next month.
You’ll need to check your budget fast and get a suit that fits—or adapt the one you have.
And while shopping, don’t forget what season you’re preparing for—don’t get caught up daydreaming about summer and forget to buy swim trunks. (See also: scope creep.)

Managing Expectations

And what if someone you care about offers you dessert during a holiday?
If you can’t refuse, then at least agree on a smaller portion.
Or maybe you’re diabetic and shouldn’t eat it at all.
If the other person doesn’t know, they might think you’re being rude.
That’s why it’s important to set expectations clearly—everyone should understand your situation to avoid misunderstandings.