HBR 20-Minute Manager Boxed Set (10 Books) (HBR 20-Minute Manager Series)

Managing Projects

20

Usually, a little negotiating will help bring their

requirements in line with the available resources.

In some organizations, however, setting unrealistic

goals seems to be standard operating procedure. A

project manager who repeatedly faces this situation

must eventually decide whether it’s worth the effort.

There’s always a point at which you should cut your

losses and get out—decline the assignment, ask to be

transferred to another area of the company, or even

look for another job. It’s important to feel confi dent

that the project you are embarking on has a reason-

able chance of success.

Set the project’s goals

Any project’s success is determined by how well it

meets its goals. The more explicitly you state them

at the ...