Key takeaways
What are the most common project management mistakes?
Unlike project management risks, which cannot always be controlled and can only be anticipated, project management mistakes are almost always a result of an oversight or human error.
Here are some of the most common project management mistakes and how they can be avoided.
Not setting clear project goals
As a project manager, you need a clear end goal so you can coordinate your team and better assess progress. Many projects fall apart because the project manager failed to set clear objectives during the project kickoff meeting.
One of the best solutions to avoid this mistake is to ask stakeholders to provide a definitive objective and key performance indicators (KPIs) at the beginning of the project planning.
Failing to clarify roles and responsibilities
Failing to clearly define each member’s responsibilities can lead to confusion, duplication of efforts, accountability issues, and task neglect.
One way to avoid this is by employing the RACI matrix.
Not creating the right reports
Project management requires a variety of reports on things like project status, project progress, and resource utilization. Generating confusing or incomplete reports can lead to blind spots, and you may not be able to identify a problem until it becomes catastrophic.
Prioritizing the wrong tasks
There are plenty of innovative project management strategies project managers can apply to boost efficiency, but it is highly important that as a project manager, you know how to prioritize tasks properly. Prioritizing the wrong tasks is a common mistake brought about by the fact that when dealing with multiple deadlines, we tend to put urgent tasks ahead of important ones.
To overcome this problem, use the Eisenhower matrix: an excellent tool for setting the important tasks apart from the pressing ones for maximum efficiency.
Mismanaging resources
Project managers must know how to strike a balance between overutilization and underutilization. Each end of the spectrum comes with its own set of risks and challenges, and it can be surprisingly easy to slip either direction.
How the right software can help your projects run smoothly
The best approach to minimizing mistakes when doing projects relies on being able to recognize these lapses and knowing the right tools to use to carry out tasks.
Project management, at its core, requires careful planning, proactive client management, and judicious use of resources. Outfitting a capable team with the right tools will make it easier to sidestep many common mistakes.
Finding the solution that best fits your needs can be daunting, but our Project Management Software Guide is a good starting point for you and your team.