Project Management - How to Get Started and Stay on Track
Many times we start each work day by tackling the mundane issues of running a business without setting aside enough time to take on the most important work facing us. But to be most productive you have to set aside time for both types of work-the routine and the special projects.
One way to do this is to make a schedule. Make your first task of each day the most important thing you have to do. Since you can't always tell what your time demands will be in advance, set aside a couple hours of each day to deal with unexpected issues or for catching up. At the end of each day, make your schedule for the next day. If you find you don't have enough time to do everything on your schedule, pare it back. Focus on the activities that will most help you accomplish your goals.
When you have a big project to do, try following these simple steps to get started and stay on track:
| • | Break the project into smaller pieces and take them on one at a time. |
| • | Set deadlines to keep moving at a steady pace. |
| • | Set milestones and metrics, and reward yourself when you reach them. |
| • | Identify the key processes for your project and focus attention on them. Problems here can spillover into other areas |
| • | If you start falling behind, check your to do list and delegate less important work to those who are capable of handling it. If there is no one else, consider subcontracting out or hiring help. |
| • | Make sure you have all the information you need to do the task. Hold-ups in work are often due to missing info. |
Getting started on a big project is often the hardest thing to do, but remember, the sooner you get behind, the more time you have to catch up!
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