I don’t work on projects…
I have heard this comment from numerous individuals who have attend my training classes, webinars and discussion forums. However, here’s a thought…projects are everywhere — and chances are, you’re already involved in more of them than you think. Let’s take a closer look at what projects are and if you can identify any similarities with the activities that are currently taking place around you.
Let’s start with the definition of a project:
A temporary endeavor, with a beginning and an end,
that produces a unique product service or result.
Using this definition I would encourage you to reassess the work that you are currently engaged in. You may not realize it, but projects are part of your everyday world and we are surrounded by projects. Project management skills have been identified as “life skills” because we use them throughout our life experiences - at work, at home, in the community, with our volunteer organizations…everywhere there may be projects.
Examples of work projects could include:
Purchasing and installing a new phone system for the organization
Designing, and implementing a new marketing campaign or product line
Interviewing, hiring and onboarding a new staff member, volunteer coordinator, Sales Manager, HR Analyst, Executive Admin, attorney or Board Member…
Moving the office, and staff, to a new building or going remote
Expanding the territory for product sales to the next county, another country or online sales
Planning for the annual conference, board meeting, or employee event
Researching new vendors, partners or collaborators
And let’s not forget all the projects we have at home, or in the community:
Researching and buying a new car, house or computer
Adopting a dog or cat
Adding a pool, porch, or patio to your yard
Kitchen, bathroom, closet, living room redesign
Plan and organize the local food/clothing drive in the community
Yep, these are all projects because they meet that definition of a project, right? So, if you think you don’t work on projects…think again! Take the time to align this definition with the work that is currently on your plate to determine which activities meet the definition of a project and can, therefore, be approached like a project. Using proven project management practices can increase the level of success for your project by 2 ½ times. Isn’t that what we all want in the end? Project success? Check it out and let me know if you have any additional questions. Cheers.
