What is Project Management - really..

I'm getting softer in my ways. Either that, or I am getting a better idea as to the true nature of effective project management. You see, I've been moving away from tool solutions as the goal and instead, spending more time just working the social component.

This social component, is being focussed on the interests of those people who need to take ownership. Being focussed on how they assemble and process information, on what motivates them. Understanding... and then tooling... And if there isn't an appetite for the tool or method, then there is always tomorrow.

The danger with not enforcing rigid adoption of project management methodology is that.. Gosh!.. it is supposed to be the most effective methodology designed to manage projects.. So all the while, when the project leader is busy working by intuition, the project is likely falling behind. This becomes all the more dangerous when there is an expectation that your supposed to be the person charged with the responsibility for establishing the methodology.

Ok.. so does this mean that it is best to avoid letting the project leader's motivating factors lead the adoption of project management methodology, and instead, enforce a rigorous adoption. Heck - why not! My answer is still no.

I don't think I'm soft. But here is the catch. Sure, let the project leader lead. Your role is to interject from time to time with sound project management advice. Look for opportunities to roll up your sleeve and build the missing project methodology into the project. Offer to record the meeting minutes (some places use action logs in place of minutes), speak to them about potential risks - just don't become evangelistic about them.


So what is Project Management - really.. Let's say it is whatever it takes to get the project moving in the right direction, using consistent management processes, and without crushing leader (and the team) motivation while your at it.