Common Project Management Mistakes to Avoid for Success

So you are a qualified project manager now, armed with PMP/Prince certifications. You have a clear picture of all the best project management practices advocated by leading subject matter experts. Can anything go wrong at all in your project? There are several project management mistakes which you need to take care of for project success. These may not be a part of any curriculum and it is mostly practical wisdom. The experiences from fellow project managers can guide you towards the path to a successful project manager.

Preparing an over-ambitious plan

Many project managers try to prove their skills by setting very tight targets with respect to cost and schedule. Needless to say, it can put unwanted pressure on the team and you have the risk of slipping milestones. One of the key project management mistakes. The end results will be a bunch on unhappy stakeholders including your team, management and customers. Always set realistic goals and clearly communicate the constraints and major factors which can substantiate your decision. Your plan should consider optimistic, pessimistic and a balanced approach to key parameters.

Trying To Please Everybody

“I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.” – Bill Cosby

A good project manager should not be afraid to answer in negative, when needed. Make through judgments and have confidence in your abilities. It is always better to discuss alternatives than accepting deadlines to responsibilities which you cannot manage well.

The slogan, ‘customer is always right’ cannot be the bible for a project manager. You should be able to convince the customer to take the right approach. This is one of the crucial project management mistakes to look out for.

Failing to delegate

The new project managers try to take up all responsibilities to them. The project manager should meticulously share responsibilities and accountability with peers as needed. This will ensure greater participation and contribution from the team. Suggestions from your team should always be considered and create an open atmosphere for everyone to share their views.

Reinventing the wheel

One of the top project management mistakes is reinventing the wheel. Every organization has people who have innovative solutions to common problems. Discussing with your peers, senior managers and mentors will help to bring in different viewpoints and proven old quick fixes to your latest issues. Many new project managers feel that seeking help will cast doubts on their competencies. Successful professionals understand their shortcomings and seek timely help to cover the gaps.

 Failing to curb team politics

Individual ambitions, agendas or cultural differences should not be allowed to affect team dynamics. The project manager and the project sponsor must insulate the team from politics and other such factors.

Politics can force team members to lose their sense of direction on the project and performance can suffer. Also, team members that are not politically astute can get involved in areas where they have limited knowledge and make matters worse.

Lack of Process/Process Overload

Many projects start on a high note, but later they stop following the project management processes. Such project management mistakes eventually bring down the project. The project manager is often busy with a bunch of issues fails to plug the process gaps on time. Eventually this will lead to total chaos and leaves everyone without a clue of the project progress. And in some cases, the project team will be forced to follow too many repetitive and outdated processes leading to waste of time and energy. Project managers should always ensure a balanced approach.

These were some of the key project management mistakes we think every project manager should look out for. How about you? What are your key mistakes to learn from? Share with us below.