Shaving minutes leads to hours, which leads to days. But you’ve planned it out so carefully, plotted your day, week, even month. How then do you get your project out of the rut it has fallen into?
- Brainstorm. Try some simple exercises with your staff to pull the project out of the ditch it’s falling into. Maybe it’s as simple as changing a vendor you didn’t realize was underperforming or switching deadlines on a couple of tasks.
- Give yourself choices. If a product is on a ship encountering a typhoon, pull out the original options and reselect. Look at it as a sign. Perhaps the product you selected is not as well suited to the project as the substitute you are now considering.
- Modify your design. Once plans have been approved, this can become a little sticky. But if you are convinced your new idea is a better approach, you shouldn’t have a problem pushing it past any barriers that may stand in its way. Your project is all about your personal passion in getting the job done and done well.
- Read a book. Who has time to refer to a book during a crisis? You do. Often times, the same obstacle you face is one that has happened previously. Or, better yet, ask your vendor or trade contractor. Chances are they have encountered the situation in the past and can offer a solid fix for it.
A project manager is a unique individual with the need to be both creative and logical. One side of your job will constantly rub against the other. The important thing is to find a comfortable middle ground and be fluid. Water can go between trees easier than bricks and blocks can.