6 Guiding Principles For Better Project Management 

In the dynamic landscape of project management, the quest for efficiency and success requires a solid foundation built upon proven principles. At Varasi, these guiding principles serve as a compass, directing project managers and teams toward the pinnacle of execution excellence. Navigating the intricate pathways of project realization demands more than just technical prowess; it requires a holistic approach that encompasses goal setting, collaboration, risk management, and effective communication. 

In this article, we delve into the six fundamental principles that form the bedrock of Varasi’s project management philosophy. By embracing these principles, project leaders can steer their teams with confidence and finesse, transforming challenges into opportunities and visions into realities.

1. Set Clear Goals for the Project

First and foremost the project manager/leader should understand the Objectives and the Purpose of a project. Alignment of the goals among all stakeholders and the project execution team should be the starting point of all projects. Consider writing up a Project Charter document for larger programs. 

2. Identify deliverables and assign clear owners

As you plan out the project execution, a simple who owns what and when is a simple way to track the project. There are various tools to enable project managers to do this like the DARCI matrix. It helps to keep it simple and not let the tools control you. Most deliverables will have a primary owner, and others as collaborators or reviewers.

3. Remove Hurdles OR better still, Eliminate Hurdles

Look out for hurdles and eliminate the friction in information flow for smooth execution. Develop early warning systems so that you get to resolve the hurdles before they become big. Over time, an effective project manager anticipates, like a good sportsperson and gets good at anticipating where the hurdles and roadblocks lie.

4. Manage Risks

Risk identification and mitigation is not a one-time activity. Technology projects are very dynamic and the risks evolve dynamically as well. Assessing risks at regular intervals helps the team avoid stressful situations. Remember, not all risks can be mitigated, some just have to be managed.

5. Communicate Often and Well

Communication is perhaps the most important of all the principles. Clarity and timing of communication are very important. More than 50% of all project management issues can be traced back to gaps in communication. There is no free lunch here. Better clarity and timing of communication need a lot of effort and preparation. 

6. Ask for Help

Asking for help is perhaps the most underrated of all the project management skills. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It is a strength that needs to be developed. Knowing your and your team’s limitations and seeking help in a timely manner can enhance your team’s performance. Asking for help effectively is a nuanced skill and is not easy to find. Knowing who can help and then providing the right context for that person to effectively help or guide you is not a skill that you automatically have. 

To Sum Up

In the realm of project management, success is cultivated through a harmonious blend of strategy, collaboration, and unwavering commitment. These guiding principles provide a roadmap for us to navigate the complex terrain of project execution, guiding us to set clear goals, engage stakeholders, remove hurdles, manage risks, communicate effectively, and seek help when needed. We believe that as the modern business landscape evolves, these principles stand as timeless pillars, offering a compass to traverse uncharted territories with confidence. By weaving these principles into their project management fabric, professionals can foster innovation, mitigate challenges, and achieve the remarkable – transforming aspirations into achievements, and projects into legacies.