In the business world, increased competition means mistakes could be more costly than ever. Project managers are responsible for creating, planning, driving, and completing projects. These ventures often include teams that span many departments. As a result, even minor errors can erode trust and cause lost time and resources.

All project managers will make a mistake at one point or another. But there are ways they can identify potential pitfalls.

Common Mistakes Project Managers Make

Project managers exist in a vast array of industries and companies. However, some mistakes are common regardless of industry or department. Project managers can reduce the risk of failure by noting possible areas of weakness. And by learning more effective leadership strategies, they can boost consistent success. Avoid getting sidelined or losing ground by looking for these possible mistakes before they can derail progress.

Poor Communication with Team Members

Talking to your team members often is crucial to the successful outcome of your project. Communication clarifies what you expect from each team member and establishes timelines. Also, it’s essential not to neglect clear communication with clients. Discuss expectations, due dates, and unexpected issues with all parties involved. If you manage a new team or have team members from many departments, try a team-building activity. Make it easy for everyone to connect with group chats or message boards. And as the project manager, listen to what others are telling you. A good communicator is also a good listener and will build trust in the process.

Failure to Set Clear Project Goals

Without clear project goals, several things can happen. Team members may waste time working on the wrong problems. They may fail to connect with each other or the client. And poorly defined project goals can result in lost materials or resources. The SMART method is a useful tool for crafting defined and achievable goals. Making SMART goals helps ensure you have team buy-in and client consent every step of the way.

Not Providing the Right Tools

Assessing the tools your team members will need is vital to on-time deliverables and staying goal-oriented. There are three ways that tools can be a defining factor in your project’s success:

• Not providing enough tools. Team members end up spinning their wheels or submitting sub-par work if they can’t access the tools they need.

• Providing the wrong tools. If a roofer shows up to the job with a box of plumbing tools, they’ll probably struggle to complete the job correctly. At the start of the project, think about the tools each team member will need to meet their part of the project best. Ensuring access to these tools is key.

• Providing too many tools. It is easy to get excited about each new tool, app, or method. But learning how to use each new tool takes time, which can delay your ability to deliver.

Not Following a Process

Project managers serve a purpose throughout the project. Not following the process from start to finish can cause even simple tasks to go off track. It is a mistake to rely solely on experienced team members or project documents. Experience and scope documents are helpful but may fall short. Project managers should communicate and check in to manage expectations and monitor quality. They can help spot potential problems, avoid redoing work, and direct the team when the unexpected occurs.

A Lack of Delegation

It’s common for project managers to feel responsible for having all the answers. They may also worry about controlling every aspect of the project. But trying to do too much can result in lower-quality work that fails to meet deadlines. In addition, team members can feel excluded and lose trust in the project manager and the process. Delegating to team members is essential for sharing the workload and building trust in the process. And delegation allows the project manager enough time to monitor and guide the process, keeping results on track.

Failing to Acknowledge Employee Accomplishments

Of course, you should expect each team member to perform and complete their part of the project. But failing to acknowledge accomplishments can lead to resentment and, eventually, to lower quality work. Employees who don’t feel valued and seen may decide it’s not worth putting as much effort into the project. When project managers recognize the effort and skill of employees, they show they understand the effort involved.

How Can a Project Manager Avoid These Mistakes?

Mistakes happen even to the most experienced project managers. But there are ways to minimize the most common mistakes and ensure better project outcomes. New and veteran project managers can benefit from learning or revisiting time management strategies. In addition, consider researching project management styles. Learning about the different methods can make you a more versatile manager. Other methods may work better for different teams or projects.

Finally, remember that collaboration is an ongoing process. Actively work to keep lines of communication open and encourage working together. Each team member is there for a reason and brings unique skills and perspectives to the project.

Project managers are essential to productive and valuable outcomes. Are you encountering project challenges in your workplace? Consider whether common project management mistakes are hampering success. A few small but meaningful adjustments can make a big difference in the success of future projects.

Sources:

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/smart-goals/

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-3-biggest-mistakes-project-managers-make-/?trk=pulse-article

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/project-management-mistakes