5 of Project Management*�e Fundamental Laws

* with some insight from Albert Einstein

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lbert Einstein was one of the greatest physicists of our time. But he was also a philosopher, with profound insights on science, religion and life.

So in a little twist, we’ll handle the science part of project management…

…and let Einstein talk philosophy.

A

1Law #

You must take stock

1Law # You must take stock

‘‘If the facts don’t fit the theory, change the facts.

1Law # You must take stock

Evaluate

In other words, if you don’t have enough resources, your project will fail. Here’s how to make sure you do:

Understand the goal and ensure you have enough people to make it happen.

MeasureHave a method or tool for tracking success (and know what success is).

EnvisionPut tools in place that will help you work better.

2Law #

You must manage your time

2Law # You must manage your time

‘‘I never think of the �ture. It comes soon enough.

2Law # You must manage your time

Schedule

In other words, time flies. Make sure it doesn’t fly by you.

Start with the due date and work backwards.

SegmentBreak the end goal into smaller manageable parts.

FocusOnly spend time on critical elements.

3Law #

You must map thecritical path

3Law # You must map the critical path

‘‘If you can’t �plain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.

3Law # You must map the critical path

Identify

In other words, define what’s truly important.

Establish key deliverables and assign due dates.

PinpointDetermine exactly what must be done and make it happen.

TrackUse a tool, like a Gantt chart, to stay on track.

4Law #

You must identify risks

4Law # You must identify risks

‘‘�e world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don’t do anything about it.

4Law # You must identify risks

Talk

In other words, if you don’t think about bad things, then bad things will happen.

Meet with your team and identify risks.

Priorit eDetermine which risks pose the biggest threat.

PlanBe ready if the risks become real.

5Law #

You mustcommunicate effectively

5Law # You must communicate effectively

‘‘Information is not knowledge.

5Law # You must communicate effectively

Enlighten

In other words, don’t just clutter a person’s inbox. Make every message count.

Stick to actionable data and insights.

CollaborateAllow ideas and information to be shared.

ClarifyChoose tools that enhance transparency and communication.

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Follow these 5 laws ...

You must communicate effectively

You must identify risks

You must map the critical path

You must manage your time

You must take stock

... and you’ll not only complete a project, but you’ll have added a real contribution to your company.

‘‘Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.

Or as Einstein would say,

(You don’t have to be an Einstein to know he meant women, too.)(You don’t have to be an Einstein to know he meant women, too.)

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