Project Management - Begin with the end in mind
As with any goal or activity to get any percentage chance of
success, you need to know what success is.
What are you aiming for? What is the purpose of beginning the
activity? The same applies with projects.
A project, be it a multi-million dollar construction
development, or a scrapbook, needs to have an end point - that
particular final event which marks completion.
Whatever the scope the end point needs to be identified before
the project begins. It could be domestic, a new kitchen
installed, decorated and working; paint a bedroom; install a
water heater etc.
It could be industrial, install and commission a piece of
machinery; implement a safety management system; design and
build an accounting package etc. Or it could be personal, run a
marathon; drop 2 clothes sizes, walk the Kokoda Trail; climb
Everest etc.
Each project is different and each has a unique defined end
point. To be successful in managing a project, you need to
define (or have defined for you) that end point. So begin with
the end in mind.
Similarly to goal setting; the end point can be more easily
defined using SMART as an acronym.
Specifically stated - Stated positively in present tense
Measurable - What will I see, hear, smell, taste, feel
and touch upon completion Achievable - Can I achieve it
by myself, what input do I need from others? Resources -
What resources do I need?
Time based and Towards - When precisely will this
outcome happen?
Whilst it's possible to hit an invisible target, it is much
easier to plan and to hit a visible one. So get defining.