5 Misconceptions About Project Management
By Erin Sless - eGuide Operations Coordinator
Project management is a critical aspect of any business or organization. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most misunderstood and misrepresented areas of business. Misconceptions about what project management entails and how it is executed can lead to confusion and costly mistakes. This article will explore some of the most common misconceptions of project management and provide insights into what project management truly involves. By debunking these myths, individuals can gain a better understanding of project management and its importance to successful projects.
1. In a crunch, overtime is the answer. (Nope!)
Sure, working more on a tight deadline is okay sometimes. Consistently, though, it will not solve the root cause of project flaws. Working overtime has become a default response to projects that are behind schedule or not meeting their targets. However, this practice is not always the answer, particularly when it comes to project management. In fact, many project managers have come to realize that overtime can do more harm than good. In most cases, it simply masks the flaws or inefficiencies in the project management process, rather than addressing the root cause. Project Managers should focus on identifying and addressing any flaws or gaps in their project management processes, as this would ultimately lead to better outcomes and success for the project.
2. Project management is about the process, not the people. (False- it is both!)
The belief that project management is solely about processes and procedures is one of the biggest misconceptions in the business world. In reality, project management is about so much more than following a set of predefined steps. Great project management is also about managing people, building relationships, and creating an environment that empowers and motivates the team to work towards a common goal. While processes and best practices are certainly important, they are just one aspect of what makes a project successful – the other being a team of talented and dedicated individuals who are committed to delivering a high-quality result.
With that said, try to nurture your relationships with your fellow team members in a respectful, professional way. Remember, your team members are not just tools in a belt to success. Like you, there is complexity and individuality. While the process is important, the human-element energy you put into work will come back around and make projects and workweeks much more enjoyable in the long run.
3. A great project outcome signifies great business operations. (Negative- values need to be upheld on both ends.)
While a great project outcome can be a source of pride for any business, it is important to remember that success does not necessarily equate to good business operations. In order to maintain a healthy and sustainable business, it is crucial to uphold the values and principles that guide the company's decision-making processes. At eGuide, we incorporate our core values into everything we do. They are:
Do Something That Helps Someone
Have Fun Be You
Learn and Teach
Finish What You Start
Collaborate with Kind Accountability
Putting values at the forefront of operations ensures that the success of the business is founded upon the right principles and can withstand any challenges that may arise. Ultimately, a great project outcome is just one aspect of a successful business, and upholding values is key to achieving long-term success.
4. Speed > Quality (You got it- this is false.)
At the start of a project, it is tempting to make promises for the fastest results with the biggest impact. It’s true, we call project management methods “sprints” for a reason, but at the same time, one common misconception people have about project management is that faster is always better. While it’s certainly true that completing a project quickly can be beneficial, there are many situations where taking the time to ensure the quality of the finished product is much more important than speed. Rushing through a project can lead to mistakes, errors, or omissions that can be costly and time-consuming to correct later on. By taking the time to plan and execute a project properly, the end result will be of high quality and likely to exceed expectations. Therefore, it's important to balance the need for speed with the need for quality, so that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of all stakeholders.
5. There is no such thing as a dead end- any project problem can be fixed. (Nope- a good Scrum Team will know when to stop.)
An important aspect of effective project management is the ability to navigate through obstacles and challenges that may arise during the course of a project. While it may be tempting to believe that any problem can be fixed, the reality is that this is not always the case. A good Scrum Team will be able to recognize when a project element has hit a dead end or when a problem has become too difficult to solve. In these situations, it may be more beneficial to accept the sunk cost, close the dead end, or suggest an alternative approach to the problem. The ability to make these types of decisions will contribute to the success of a project and help ensure that it is completed in a timely and effective manner.
In conclusion, there are several misconceptions that people have about project management. These misconceptions often lead to poor decision-making and negatively impact project outcomes. It is crucial to recognize these misconceptions and address them proactively to ensure the success of any project. By understanding the importance of effective communication, adaptability, and a focus on quality over speed, project teams can work together to achieve their goals efficiently and effectively. The key takeaway is to approach project management with an open mind, be willing to learn, and always strive for excellence.
Help Someone. Have Fun, Be You. Learn & Teach. Finish What You Start.
