It’s been a while since I’ve written a post for my Leadership Notes blog. My apologies!
I’ve been hard at work on a new project (or three). I’m sure you can understand; it’s intense, heads-down digging in, learning the players…the requirements…the timelines…and, as a software implementation PM, the product.
So while I get back into the swing of writing about leadership, know that you are not alone in your daily routine. I’m living the same joys and frustrations that you are. With one year of experience or thirty-five, we have the same work to get to a successful Close, and there are no shortcuts.
Here are a few thoughts I’ve had over the past few weeks:
- Scheduling is a bear. All the tools and formulas in the world can’t remove the depth of consideration that needs to go into a solid plan. And no matter how much time and effort you put into it, be prepared for it to change. Because…things happen. Remember: it’s not the plan, it’s the planning.
- Don’t put yourself into a box. It’s easy to say we’re only going to do “project manager things,” to run meetings and create the budget and communication plans. But sometimes, leading also means we need to get our hands dirty. If there’s no one to lead the training team, and it’s in your wheelhouse, pick it up and run with it. Success comes when we all pitch in—wherever we can.
- We’re not in charge of everything. Sometimes we hand over the reins to a team member in charge of a workstream. And if the executives are talking about a directional change in the project, sometimes all we can do is accept it. We are there to make sure the company’s goals are being met, and that can mean taking a step back.
Keep putting one foot in front of the other. You’ll reach your destination – and so will I!