Global Management & Training Services

These days it feels like there are more things to do than hours in the day to do them. For this reason busy Project Managers need to worker smarter, not just harder. The following are some management tips I have found useful to be more effective and minimise wasted time:

· Delegate where possible (refer to <http://www.globalmanagementandtrainingservices.com/del_01.html> for
    tips on delegation)
· Get connected - Blackberry for diary management, emails and contact information
· Stakeholders notebook - separated sections for each
· Schedule re-occurring tasks/ activities - budget reviews, risk reviews, team meetings, travel, PM personal
    time
· Setup a folder structure in Outlook and apply ‘Rules’ to sort according to Project/ Subject/ Priority
· Carry a notebook and write things down - The average human mind can process and retain only minimal
    amounts of information before it ceases to function effectively
    o Date entries and title pages
    o List people present if relevant
    o Use a simple symbol system
      o - To Do
      n - Completed
      x - Transferred (either to other book of person)
      ? - ask question at meeting or question further afterwards
· Allow sufficient preparation time before activities
    o Gather and read notes/ data/ correspondence
    o Highlight key points and make notes onto correspondence or if in notebook clearly reference to points
                in correspondence i.e. Number system 1, 2 etc
· If you find there is still too much to do:
    o Look for opportunities to further delegate
    o Prioritise the things you must do
    o Delay tasks (communicate the delay to expectant stakeholders
    o Deny tasks (negotiate with expectant stakeholders) (Never just ignore or not respond)

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