Transcript
Let’s take a break here. We talked about the benefits of project objectives in the previous episode. So, how does it happen on a real project?
I understand that it may seem like an awkward task, especially if you are not a seasoned project manager. You need to talk to the sponsor or customer. They are the people who pay much money for the project. They own product or business you are going to work for. They are executives or top management. And you need to take their precious time to ask why do they want to do the project. Especially, when there is a feeling that they do not really know why.
To overcome the awkwardness, keep in mind that they had to hire you as an expert in project management. Most likely because they do not know how to manage a complex project. Or they do not have time for that. Therefore, everything you do, you do it from the point of authority and expert knowledge that they lack.
There is no secret approach here. You need to send a straightforward message. That’s it. It should say, “Hello, John. I am going to lead and manage your project. To do that efficiently, my team and I need to understand the objective of this project and your expectations from the service/product we are going to create. It will help me to make correct decisions throughout the project. Moreover, I will be able to provide you better expertise when I see it from your perspective. Let’s plan a short call, where you will explain your vision of the upcoming project.”
You got the point. Your intentions are clear. The benefits from the discussion are obvious. I doubt they will reject your request.
On that meeting, you need to ask open-ended questions and let them speak. Listen carefully and take notes. And see you in the next episode.
The post [Video] IPM#4: How to Define Project Objective on a Project appeared first on PM Basics.