Shortcuts to success, 2nd Edition

41 PLAN FIRST – SET END DATE LATER

A project is always someone’s idea, and that person always has an idea of when they want it completed by. One of the hardest things to do as a project manager is to manage the expectations of your sponsor, key stakeholders and team, who will all want to know when this project is going to finish before you are ready to tell them. A period of detailed planning at the beginning of the project is essential for two reasons:

• it provides clarity about what it is that you want to actually achieve, and;

• it gives you a firm foundation and confidence in your schedule dates.

After your planning activity is complete you can announce, with as few caveats as your risk management allows, the amount of time the project ...