Don't drop dead at deadlines
WHEN a project extends beyond its deadline, as a good manager you will have to identify the reasons for the setback.
Making superficial changes without identifying the root cause can result in a reoccurrence of the problem.
Once the cause for the delay is determined, you need to make the necessary amendments to get the project back on track.
Your foremost responsibility is to take some balanced decisions keeping the fiscal condition of the project in mind. Sometimes things may get so out of hand that you may not have any solutions to offer.
Way out
If you are at the closing stages of the project and your team just needs that last bit of prodding to get things done on schedule, then one rational way out is to work overtime.
This could become an expensive affair otherwise, but for the time being, it will get your work done in time to meet the deadline.
Right at the outset, a manager has to chalk out the fundamental activities that will contribute to the success of a project. The main aim should be to complete the project successfully within the stipulated time.
When the absolute requirements are not met, the project time slips away.
Once the loophole is identified then you can make changes in the work schedule and arrange it according to priorities.
You as a manager should be able to identify mismatched resources within the project.
One team worker might be able to perform better doing something that someone else can't. You could switch them around for better and faster results.
Sometimes it is difficult to work on a project stepwise as the prearranged activities may result in a delay.
Instead project activities can be planned and undertaken simultaneously.
You and your teammates should go over the list of activities and figure out the insignificant, time-consuming ones and delete them.
Winding up
The most crucial fact is to identify the activities that are of primary importance. Then you could either crunch them or work on them to save time. Sometimes delay in the scheduled activities may not be the reason for the delay in the project.
The manager then has to look for external forces, which may have delayed the project.
Minor reasons may not be a cause for alarm but over a period of time they could result in a dangerous treading over of deadlines.
MARIA JAMES
mariajames.hyd@cnkonline.com
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