First Project at work? Master it with these 5 Pro-Level Steps!

Very often when I meet a past student or a friend, we soon start talking about corporate jobs and its challenges. The discussions usually meander towards a project at work and (more often than not) how exasperating it was. As a Project professional the word ‘project’ catches my interest and I start noticing a pattern.

??????????? You need not be trained in Project Management to be cast into a project at work. Sometimes, it just happens- depends on the urgencies of the business and what you have to offer (skills, experience, subject matter expertise, etc).? Do not be alarmed!

Here are some initial steps which can set you up for success

1.???? Know your Project Manager and Project Sponsor. Knowing their backgrounds will help you plan your project approach.

2.???? Get to know your Project colleagues – Day one on the project and you will see many new faces perhaps from various functions. Do not be overwhelmed. Remember you are cast in the project as you have something important to offer- as much as others! Knowing as many of your colleagues and their areas of expertise will help you collaborate on the project. Even if it is a project which is happening in your department or function, you will still get to see your day to day colleagues in a new light.

3.???? Get familiar with the Business Case-This is the why of the project. Familiarity with the rationale behind the project will help you sift what is important for the project from what is not. Down the project aisle when the team is too tied up with multiple activities one tends to lose sight of the objectives-tend to add requirements, activities, tasks and milestones which do not contribute to project goals. A clear eye on the Business case can help you distinguish Wheat from Chaff and stand out!

4.???? Read the Project Charter if it is already created and signed. This document will serve as a good introduction to the project scope, schedule, cost (also called the triple constraint), Risks, Stakeholders, Deliverables, Constraints etc – at a very high level. ?

5.???? Have a Collaborative approach- You will get a close-up view of other functions, their intricacies and protocols. The experience is worth it. How you co-operate and collaborate will determine your own performance on the project and your chances of future opportunities in your organization.

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