Project Management is a way of life for business owners and professionals across a myriad of industries. Leaders drive forward project by project, implementing strategies, completing programs, and offering services to a variety of customers. At Premier Computing, we are delving into the world of project management, with the hopes of enlightening our audience on the common causes of project management failure, along with our remedy solutions. Our theory, use the experience of those who have gone before to avoid pitfalls and mistakes, coupled with the strategies of the most successful project implementers to mentor your next project.

In business as in life, the only constant we face is change. However, just because change is needed, necessary and inevitable, doesn’t mean it is easy. Based on our twenty five years of project implementation, with the experience of over twenty well qualified consultants, at Premier Computing we have found that the #1 cause of project failure is, lacking leader/sponsor involvement.

We have two tips that can remedy this challenge, first is communication and second is buy in. First, the leader of the organization has to communicate to the people. He needs to create a sense of awareness, not only where the company is today, but ultimately where it is going. Leaders demonstrate and vision cast on how the implementation of a new system will enable the workforce to journey together towards that broadened goal. An effective leader communicates clearly the challenges that will be faced, and curb expectations about sacrifices or inconveniences that might be experienced during the transition.  And finally, that leader inspires buy in to the end goal.

Change happens when the pain of staying the same is worse than the pain of change. So, what can those employees expect to benefit in the long run from this transition, or implementation? How will their jobs ultimately be easier, more convenient, more profitable or more enjoyable?

Ken Blanchard, a global leader in workplace learning has said, “In the past a leader was a boss. Today’s leaders must be partners with their people.. they no longer can lead solely based on positional power.” How true this statement is! True leadership in today’s workforce includes, guiding and inspiring your team to work together. It is this element that creates success with project management.

Improving Probabilities of Project Success with Planning, Scheduling, and Performance Metrics

There is an old adage, “the man makes the plan work, the plan doesn’t make the man work.” Whether you are a medical provider looking to implement an electronic filing system, or a large scale manufacturing plant wanting to streamline your packing and shipping process, an enterprise resource planning system (ERP) or a customer relationship management (CRM) software package can highly impact your efficiency, your process and ultimately your bottom line. However, having these systems in place will not cause people to do more or achieve more. It truly is the leader who makes these tools of technology enhance the human capabilities of its organization.

At Premier Computing we are located in the heart of Salt Lake City, Utah and have led over 250 companies through the process of implementing ERP and CRM systems. Our experience and products assist small and medium sized businesses across various industries including manufacturing, distribution, professional services, technology providers and health care. Please call us at 800-458-2948 for more information.