How to Start a Discussion on Project Management

Is is time to have the discussion about project work in your organization? Are you doing the same things over and over and expecting different results? Isn’t it time to let project management work for you?

Let’s get this discussion started. Here are some ideas on how to start a discussion about project management.

A great way to start a conversation is to share something that you just learned. For instance, if you attended my course on Project Management Foundations you would be introduced to the definition of project:

“A temporary endeavor with a beginning and an end that produces a unique product service or result.”

You can start your discussion by sharing this definition and asking your colleagues:

▪ Based on this definition what are you working on that would be considered a project? And provide them with examples of the projects that you are working on based on this definition.

▪ Are we effectively identifying projects so that we can apply project management practices?

Additional questions that can be used to kick-off a discussion can include:

▪ Learning project management skills has been identified as one of the Top 5 skill sets for the future of work. What do you think about establishing standard project management practices for our team/business unit/organization?

▪ Are you familiar with the benefits of having a structured project management process? There are benefits to individuals as well as organizations!

▪ What could we be doing to standardize our project management practices so that we can raise our level of success?

▪ As a Manager/Director/Leader, what are your expectations for project success? What does success look like to you? Does the team have what they need to meet those expectations?

▪ What is the first step you would take when a new project lands on your desk? Would your first step be the same as someone on another team, business unit, department, or division?

▪ What can we do in our organization to make sure that people clearly understand their roles and responsibilities on a project and how they are contributing to the overall goals of the organization?

▪ How can we make sure that project team members have a good understanding of how the project will unfold, when their contributions will be required and what they are being asked to do?

▪ What type of project management training has the organization provided to the staff so that everyone has the same understanding of project terminology, roles & responsibilities and how projects unfold?

Let’s get moving with these discussions so that we can set up the teams for project success! I would encourage you to view, download and share some of the project management resources that I provide for free on my website.

Go for it. Project management works!