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How A Project Manager Should Handle Mistakes

In the process of executing a project, mistakes do happen. It is how the project manager deals with the mistakes that matters. It is said that prevention is better than cure. This is applicable in project management where early detection of mistakes would prevent failure of completion of a project or presenting one with so many errors.

Here are a few ways that a project manager can use to identify mistakes early and make correction before a project fails:

• Set realistic timelines
Each project has a completion date. The project is also divided into stages that also need to be completed within the set time. It is prudent for the project manager to set timelines that can be achieved. Make sure you allocate enough time to completion of the stages to avoid mistakes such as exclusion of important information.
• Research
Projects have tasks that are identified during the planning stage. Ensure that the team carries out research on the tasks allocated them so that they know what is required of them.
• Communicate
The project manager should ensure there is constant communication with the team on matters relating to the project. Hold regular meetings to know the status and the progress of the different parts of the project. Ensure to pass relevant information about the project to the teams. Communication will ensure that if problems arise at any stage, they are identified and solved with immediate effect.
• Carry out risk management
This is done at the start of the project. Identify factors that could pose a risk to the implementation of the project. It will help in responding to these factors and ensure the project runs smoothly.
• Make use of lists
As mentioned above, projects have different tasks. List those tasks down, go through each of them after the completion of that stage, and ensure that each has been handled to completion. Do this for all the stages, as that will ensure the avoidance of mistakes in the project.
• Assess performance
After the completion of a phase assess the performance of the team. Performance assessment will ensure to keep the team players on their toes to avoid compromising the project by making mistakes.
• Plan the project
Having a project plan will help to identify a mistake when it occurs at any given stage. Involve your team in the planning of the project to make sure they own it. Include them also in the definition of the scope of the project.
• Competency tests
Make use of tools that test competence. This ensures that each team player is given work according to what their capabilities are. It will also help the project manager identify areas where they need to train the team in orders to achieve the desired results and avoid making mistakes.
• Follow set standards
Each project has rules and regulations that are set in the planning stage. As a project manager, ensure that during the implementation of the work, the set standards of project management are followed.