MONDAY BYTES – April 11, 2011
Want to be more effective in life and in your career?
Project management means “how to get stuff done.” With “project” think of a career-related venture that is concrete and specific. Projects should have timelines and be task-oriented. The focus is on doing as opposed to being; so don’t mistake a goal (such as becoming the best jazz ukulele player this side of the Mississippi) for a project (booking a 3 city summer tour for your jazz trio).
Projects can be anything from researching and applying for a grant, to launching a reed-making business, writing a teaching methods book, promoting an upcoming concert, or raising the money to buy an instrument. Projects—big or small—demand a range of skills and can be very satisfying to successfully manage and complete.
To make sure you have an actual project defined (as opposed to a wish, goal, or dream), take the quiz: is your project “SMART”? Is it…
S = Specific?
M = Measurable?
A = Achievable?
R = Relevant?
T = Timely?
What’s your priority project to focus on this week?
What would help you to work more effectively at it?
Tip: if it’s too large and ambitious, break it down into manageable pieces.
To advance any project, it’s essential to have a concise project description and be able to communicate it to others.
Challenge for the week: write a project description (no more than 2-3 sentences) so that others will “get it.” If you have several projects running, choose one to focus on for now. Writing it down will help you clarify and articulate your project’s goal and scope. It should be clear, concise, and compelling. Having a good description is important for networking and fundraising, to help you in making connections with possible collaborators and donors.
Why should you bother with thinking about and improving your project management skills?
Because these days, most careers are project-based. Becoming more effective in managing projects will make you be more effective in managing your career and life!
Want feedback on your project description? I can offer free feedback by email to the first 7 respondents this week!
And next week’s byte will focus on the next stage of project management, with more tools and tips included.
Curious about working with me? Details are HERE.
Monday Bytes archived posts are HERE.
Dream big, Plan smart, Live well!
