Project management isn’t just about status updates and making your workload unbearable. If it’s being done well, then it should actually lighten the load. Standard operating systems that intuitively automate the thought process of participating in the management workload will result in a sustainable workload. But project management does even more than this. Properly implemented project management methodologies protect. Let me explain.
Firstly, it protects the project. Building documentation, monitoring, and reporting on updates on the project makes sure that the project work can be accomplished and that it doesn’t go off the rails (at least, not completely). Scope creep is real, and without documentation at the outset, projects have no boundaries. No boundaries means that anyone can come in and move things around or even break stuff without caring about what happens in the long run.
Secondly, it protects the team. Let’s face it, in this increasingly connected world, you have more to do than any god ever has. But, if project management protocols are in place, all that documentation and status updates will save you from having more work loaded onto your plate. This is how team members reinforce their own boundaries. “Sorry, boss, there’s only so much we can do…and let me show you,” (thank you to every lit teacher I’ve had who demanded I show, not tell readers).
Thirdly, it protects the business. Businesses don’t make money if they don’t get things done. Project management is the vehicle for accomplishing the work and reaching goals. Even if a project gets dropped, there’s a possibility that it will get picked up in the future. Any previous documentation is going to move the project into the execution phase much faster.
Yes, documenting and updating seem like endless tasks that need to get done ON TOP of your already packed workload. But that’s why there are people like me in the world! Project managers are there to make sure the boundaries are made (think, requirements and deliverables) and kept (think, managing scope creep and stakeholders). So, maybe, at your next status update meeting, try treating your PM as a legitimate resource, not a nag!
Chiara the PM 