97 Things Every Project Manager Should Know

Chapter 66. Start with the End in Mind

PMP. Luis E. Torres

CONGRATULATIONS! You're the project manager of that dream software project that everyone wanted to manage. All the company's expectations are placed on your shoulders. Your instinct tells you to run to your desk and start drafting the project schedule, right? Well, there are a number of things to do first to increase the chances of delivering a successful project. One of those things would be "start with the end in mind."

First, take the statement of work (SOW), the contract, or any documentation that would tell you what the customer wants and needs. Find the difference between "wants" and "needs" (I want an SUV, but what I need is a smaller vehicle with good gas mileage). Now you're in a better position to combine both and answer questions like "what are we trying to accomplish?", "what would make this project a success for the customer, my company, and for me?", and "what would it take to achieve that success?"

There's a lot more to the answer of this last question than just "a reasonable profit." You want the customer to come back to you, you want the project team members to want to work with you again, and you want to become the beacon of reference-ability.

The right attitude and the right people-management skills are paramount to your success as a project manager. Call a kick-off meeting with your project team members and ...