Project Manager : Organize your life

Filed in archive Consultancy on March 12, 2007

If you run your own business, or you are a Project Manager, you need to find a way to organize yourself. Personally, I need to be really strict as I am not too organized by nature. So when the heat is on and several projects apporach me and start eating my resources, I need to put a little Zen in my office to get everything done the way I like.

Project Management Source published 101 tips a while back, and they're still very usable and actual. Number 41 is a favorite of mine :

Pride: Have you read the Japanese story about the janitor who described his work as "Contributing to the progress of his country?" His logic - if the executives did not have clean toilets to use, they couldn't be very productive, could they? That is the kind of pride you need to have in your work / project.

Although project management can be difficult, I think it is very important to try an stay calm and always use your brain. Some short tips :

• Limit your reachability. Phones can be shut off. Do that.


• Communicate clear. People need it.


• Motivate by giving compliments on a task well done. Don't overdo.


• Stay calm and focused, avoid making stuff your personal problem.


• Don't allow other people's problems to become your problems. They're not !


• And last : Don't be the typical running man wearing a suit - take your thoughts outside and go for a walk. You'll come back refreshed and feeling good.