Avoiding common time management mistakes

Posted by Anna on May 16th, 2019

There are three key factors that determine the success of any project – delivering it to the specification, delivering it on budget, and delivering it on time. In this post, we are going to concentrate on the latter. Mastering the art of time management is important for any project manager. Below, we reveal the common time management mistakes you need to avoid.

-       Ignoring the importance of project management training – Training is vital for all project managers, not only those doing project management apprenticeships but also for experienced PMs to develop professionally. There are always new approaches and trends to learn, and a simpler refresher course can help you to get back on track again, ensuring your projects are delivered on time.

-       Failing to adjust when things go wrong – As every project manager knows, things are going to go wrong! No matter how carefully you plan, things can change along the way. You need to adjust.

-       Not using project management tools – Nowadays, there are many project management tools available that can help you to keep on top of everything effectively. It is important to use these tools to keep your projects on track, enabling you to complete tasks by the deadline and identify opportunities for improving efficiency. Assessing your team’s current performance is the only way to move forward effectively.

-       Failing to communicate with team members regularly – Effective communication is essential to every project. You need to communicate properly if you are to deliver your project on time. This involves providing your team members and stakeholders with important updates, as well as putting the right foundations in place for regular meetings. You need to know who is going to be involved in these meetings, and you should put a meeting schedule together so that you cover the right topics.

-       Not breaking down the project into smaller sections – Breaking a big project into manageable, smaller pieces is a must, as this will make the team feel more confident and comfortable that they can tackle what may have seemed like an impossible project. Take the time to comprehend each fact of the project and then break it up effectively. This will make sure your team does not feel overwhelmed.

-       Failing to set goals upfront – Everyone on your project team needs to know their roles, deliverables, and responsibilities from the very start. It is up to you to communicate these, and you need to do so in a clear and straightforward manner. If no one really knows what he or she is doing, there will be a lack of direction, and nothing will get done on time. A kick-off meeting is advisable, as this will help you to define and set expectations, which will result in a team that is self-organised and self-dependent.

All in all, time management skills are essential for any project manager. From failing to set goals upfront to not using a project management tool, avoid the mistakes mentioned above and you will give your team the best platform for success.