Project Management and the Plumber

When project management is discussed outside of an IT or Engineering environment, one of two things happen;

1. Conversation stops dead and a new topic is hastily brought in – far removed from the subject of project management.
2. The attitude is “thats an IT thing, its too complicated for me, not needed by me, couldn’t be bothered learning about it, project management – I don’t care”.

I bet you’re already starting to doze off. Try and stay with me, this is important for everyone in business including you.

Lost on many is the fact that a business person requires the ability to project manage to deliver every facet of their business. Every business person needs to understand that project management is, for the most part, an effective exercise in time management and communication.

Let us consider the now world famous Joe the Plumber , where does project management fit in his life?

Joe has six jobs to do this week for a variety of customers, some larger, some smaller, but all important to his end customer – the person who is paying the bill.

So what does Joe do?

1. He prepares for his week (project plan).
2. Joe buys the necessary materials for his work (projects).
3. Joe looks at his calendar to see how he can get all of the work done (time management).
4. Joe organises with his clients a suitable time to get the job done (customer communication).

So now Joe is ready to go. He has his project plan (list of customers including when he’s going to get to them) in a notebook, in his head, back of a postage stamp – its doesn’t matter – its his plan. He has engaged in the fundamental processes behind project management.

What does he do next then?

1. Joe does the work (project implementation).
2. He communicates with his customers providing updates on where things are with their job. (project communication)
3. He encounters problems (e.g. person not in to let him in the house ) that required him to change his plan and re-organise his priorities (change and time management).
4. He finishes his work, checks that the customer is happy and provides and invoice. (Project review and closure)

Joe has now done all of the things that effective project managers do!

Be organised, be communicative, be an effective project manager and help achieve your business aims.

Project management – its’ not just for IT and Engineers!