Being Systematic to achieve results

Pondering about how well projects are managed by non-project managers (those without any formal training in project management) makes me think that it is time to get back to basics. Time to revert to being systematic about applying project management practices in order to achieve results.

I'm referring to the purposeful execution of project methodologies such as

• risk identification and review meetings
• stakeholder communication meetings
• schedule planning and review meetings

as deemed applicable according to the right methodologies determined to be beneficial to the project. My suspicions are that the non-project manager is more susceptible to loosing out on the benefits derived by applying these methodologies if their execution are left to chance.

I am speaking from a gut feeling when I say this. Always wondering how to best advise the non-project manager on the right application of the methodologies without them feeling like it is an unnecessary burden or bureaucratic nightmare. What concerns me, and leads my thinking towards insisting on a more rigorous approach, are three things:

1. Lack of formal risk management activities
2. Fits and spurts of planned activities
3. Under utilized team members

The problem is how to influence those in charge of projects to adopt a more rigorous approach.