 |
|||
I know the protocols to end a project. Are there also things I should do as a project manager to wrap-up the year?
Answer: A. Use the end of the year to review the past year’s projects and plan for continued improvement. Many people see the end of the year as a time to reflect on the past and create resolutions for the future. Here are some suggestions to wrap-up one year and look forward to the next one in terms of your projects.
Review lessons learned. What…? You didn’t actually write down your lessons learned this year? There is still time to gather the team and capture what you can remember. Keep the session positive and come away with a written list of things you can improve in upcoming projects. It is better to approach a few ideas with resolve than to create a long list of bullet points that will never be translated into practice. Update documents. Since the management of projects fills your working hours during the year, take this time to do some document housekeeping. Update, change or eliminate documents that you have found to be less than ideal. Approach a decision-maker to support your changes or new creations, if necessary. The time saved by using streamlined, useful documents will be a cost benefit to your employer. Archive past projects and update risk lists. Acquire, upgrade or renew software. Consider: Is this the time to implement new, automated software or upgrade versions to increase your team’s productivity? Are there companion applications that would further aid your project team? There may be some funds left in the budget that must be used or lost. Ask. Renew any licenses that run on a year-to-year basis. Thank your team. Take the opportunity to write a short note to team members, sponsors, department managers and third-party suppliers who helped you to succeed this year. If appropriate, bring in lunch or other simple treats to show your appreciation. Complete performance reports. This is a good season to write performance reports for your team, whether they work directly for you or for functional department managers. Write organized notes about the skill sets of team members who have worked for you this year. Update the information about certifications they hold, prowess with applications, or other abilities they have gained. You can use this knowledge when you select future teams. Give to the profession. Think about what you could do to help other project managers and the profession in general. Could you form a lunch and learn group, mentor a new project manager, be a speaker for your PMI chapter, write an article for a newsletter, or speak to students at a local high school or college class? Go to PMI.org > Get Involved > Volunteer Opportunities. You’ll see many other ways you could share your knowledge with your fellow project managers. It’s a joyful feeling to complete a single project. However, don’t miss the satisfaction that comes from taking a moment to savor the entire body of work you have accomplished this past year. You can also sweeten your anticipation of the New Year by engaging in simple year-end planning for the future.
|
|||
Quick Quiz 
The topic for this Quick Quiz was submitted to the Community Post 
Barbee Davis, MA, PHR, PMP, is a reviewer for the global PMI Registered Education Provider Review Team. She owns Davis Consulting and is a published author, speaker, writer of training materials and an innovator in presentation skill workshops for corporate trainers. She holds a Black Belt in MS Project and teaches at the university level. Ms. Davis encourages your |
BACK TO TOP
|