Simple Project Reporting Guidance

Submitted by wendii on Mon, 11/01/2010 - 05:00.
in

This guidance describes how to assign a project to a direct and set up some simple reporting that will greatly increase early (and overall) success.

Mark’s favorite story about managers struggling with simple day to day things is the one where the CEO asks for help with his admin. Mark has been facilitating the strategy session of a billion dollar firm, and during one of the breaks, the CEO asks for time alone. Mark assumes he wants to discuss the topic of the moment, where to invest capital in the next 1-3 years. But no. The CEO says: I’ve got a problem with my admin, she’s not doing some stuff right, how do I handle it?

Even CEOs have managerial challenges, and sometimes managerial challenges are simple, or small, or basic, or whatever word you want to use that isn’t ‘strategic’, or, ‘fundamental.’ For instance, what’s the best way to assign some work to a direct and make sure they get off to a good start?

Sharp managers know to definitely worry about the beginning, and NOT to worry about asking for regular reporting.


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dougp01's picture
Submitted by dougp01 on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 15:12.

A beginning is a very delicate time

Probably not a chinese proverb, but the quote does reveal your interest in fiction.  :)

Princess Irulan: "A beginning is a very delicate time. Know then, that is is the year 10191. The known universe is ruled by the Padishah Emperor Shaddam the Fourth, my father. In this time, the most precious substance in the universe is the spice Melange." - Dune I by Frank Herbert

Thanks for a great cast. -doug

 

 

shawnmkelly's picture
Submitted by shawnmkelly on Mon, 11/15/2010 - 20:21.

Elements of a Good Plan?

"5. Ask the Direct To Develop The Plan Based on These Reporting Guidelines. We’ve alluded to this before. When assigning work, ask the direct who is going to do the work to come up with their plan for the work."

What are the elements of a good plan that we should expect? Are there any podcasts that discuss the elements of a good plan and how to assess these elements?

chili4way's picture
Submitted by chili4way on Tue, 11/16/2010 - 01:33.

Project Reporting & Status Charts

Once a task status goes red, does it turn green when it is completed late (vs. commitment) or does it stay red forever?

How many dates do you recommend being documented with a task/milestone.  I've seen as many as 4; the idea being that the deltas between the various dates are useful in subsequent 'hot wash' sessions.

1.  requested date
2.  committed date
3.  outlook date / expected completion date
4.  actual completion date

Thanks!

PS: I was lucky enough to part of the studio audience at this first live podcast.  You should do this at all your conferences.  It's a treat to watch you work together.