The project management story

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There seems to be an aura around “project management” and “project managers” - at least in Atlantic Canada. Some people tend to think of project management as an exotic discipline. They think they need to slave away and chip at its various layers for a long period of time before they can be considered a project manager. Well, it does not help that one of the requirements for a PMP is a minimum three year (4,500 hours) experience to take the exam.

So for those who are considering project management as a career option or even remotely thinking about it, I am going to be writing a series of posts. My aim is to highlight project management principles as a common sense approach to managing …. well … projects.

Do you drive?

Were you involved in an accident that you caused?

Do you take vacations?

Do you enjoy them?

If you answered yes to anyone or both of the follow-up questions, then you have a project management horror story. If not, then you are already a successful project manager and deserve a pat on the back.

Project Management is nothing but common sense.

Do you cook? If yes, (and the food is tasty) then you are a successful project manager.

Do you get to work more or less on time every day? If yes, you are a successful project manager.

Managing projects is just like cooking; just like going to work on time everyday; taking a vacation you enjoy or just plain driving from point A to point B.

You can use project management principles in any facet of life – not only in business but also in personal activities. Are you hosting a party and are stressed? No worries – just apply the same project management principles! You do not have to create documents.

There is a general misconception that project management is all about paperwork and bureaucracy. You know what – you are probably right. Project Management is just a tool – and like any tool if not used properly can cause these misconceptions.

So join me as I unravel the “so called” mysteries of project management in “The project management story” - coming soon.