This document provides tips and best practices for project management. It discusses how project management starts as a science with defined processes and phases but evolves into an art as the project manager improvises solutions. The foundations of an effective project manager include relationship building, strong communication and organizational skills, being a good listener, and demonstrating flexibility and resilience. Specific tips include preparing thoroughly for projects, establishing clear goals and roles, publishing meeting agendas and recaps, being conservative with timelines, and fostering team cohesion.

1. Project Management
Tips from the Trenches
Carol Ornstein
carolornstein@yahoo.com
650-637-2090

2. A Science, then an Art
• Project Management starts off as a science (step-
by-step methodology with phases), then turns into
an art
– Example: When we learn to swim, we go to an
instructor who teaches us arm strokes and how to
breathe. After we master the instruction, we
improvise. We find our own natural cadence, and
adjust our arm strokes and breathing.
• Project Management is “Making Organization
out of Chaos”
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3. Foundations of a Good Project Manager:
Synonymous with Core Values
• Relationship building!
• Organizational skills: take the time
• Communication and follow-up: check-in regularly
with your partners and team members and don’t
be afraid to adjust
• Good listener and genuine interest
• Responsible, but flexible and able to creatively
trouble-shoot and problem-solve
• Personal resilience
• Balance being nice with tough, when appropriate
• Compassion and Respect
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4. Tips from the Trenches
• In General:
– Be prepared!
– Learn your subject
– Ask questions. Don’t fake it; will develop trust
• At the Start of a Project:
– Create a mission statement, goals and objectives.
Ask each team member to hang on their wall to
reference.
• This may seem simple, but it comes in handy to help
ground team members when emotions run high;
always go back to the business purpose
– Clarify team member roles and responsibilities
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5. Tips from the Trenches (con’t)
• Best Practices:
– Put in time up-front to prepare for meetings
– Create an agenda and publish before each meeting
– Publish recap and action items after each meeting
– Be conservative with due dates (everything always
takes longer due to many variables)
– Mark your calendar with reminders for yourself to
follow-up with team members before due dates
– Keep your manager updated at all times so he/she
will never be blindsided
– Think big picture: tie-in work being done on your
project to where it might connect with other projects
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6. Tips from the Trenches (con’t)
• Best Practices (con’t):
– If you request your team work overtime, feed them!
Bagels on a weekend or pizza at night go a long
way.
– Help to cultivate team cohesiveness
– Offer mentorship to team members, when helpful
– Go above-and-beyond to be of service as a Project
Manager; this will benefit everyone!
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