In this issue, we're diving into what makes a successful project manager. It’s the framework that we use and we've broken it down into five key pillars that make up the acronym "RECAP."
Why is this useful? Well, you want to make sure that the person you hire for your next project has their 💩 together. Right? Great, let’s go.
First, let's explore what each letter stands for and why these five elements are crucial for project management success.
Pillar #1: Resource Management:
This is the foundation of successful project management. It involves efficiently handling and allocating resources while developing a solid project plan. Resources encompass tasks, milestones, timelines, and dependencies. If you mismanage your resources, everything else becomes a challenge.
👉 Sets the stage for a well-executed project.
Be on the lookout for: People who have a reputation for profligacy. Throw away lines or actions that show they’re not all that interested in frugality and using all available resources.
Pillar #2: Efficient Communication
The second pillar, Efficient Communication, is about keeping all the project's moving parts in sync. When different aspects of a project need to work together, effective communication is crucial. It means having clear, consistent, and regular communication, both internally among the project team and externally with stakeholders. Stakeholders aren't just your project team but also those making decisions above and below you, as well as subcontractors and suppliers.
👉 Keeps everyone informed.
Be on the lookout for: Bad emails. Copying everyone and their mother on emails that aren’t relevant to them (or mom). Chaotic writing. Updating you verbally and jumping from topic to topic.
Pillar #3: Change Management:
This is where challenges usually arise. Change can create disagreements, and how you handle it is essential. So you’re addressing changes as they occur, managing scope, understanding their impact on specifications and schedules, and ensuring transparent communication.
👉 Ensures adaptability throughout the project lifecycle.
Be on the lookout for: Unresolved conflicts or resistance to change within the team. Disastrous documentation of change requests and their impact. Lack of a structured change management process.
Pillar #4: Assurance in Quality and Control:
This is about maintaining high standards, and regulatory requirements. It’s also making sure that everyone is aligned with your project's quality standards. Quality control ensures that the project meets these standards and helps manage costs by avoiding rework.
👉 Maintains high standards.
Be on the lookout for: Declining quality metrics. Frequent deviations from quality control procedures. Lack of engagement from team members in maintaining quality standards.
Pillar #5: Project Monitoring and Performance Tracking:
This is where you put everything together. It's the daily, week-in and week-out tracking of project progress. Keeping a close eye on everything else: resources, communication, change management, quality, and control. This pillar is like the glue that holds the other four together. It involves managing the details and making sure the project stays on track, on time, and under budget.
👉 Ensures the project stays on track, on time, and under budget.
Be on the lookout for: Missed deadlines or milestones. Unexpected budget overruns. Inconsistent project progress reporting.
We are not the only ones raving about this framework. After publishing a video about this topic, one of our partners emailed us saying ‘You had me at RECAP!’ 🙂
These are the exact steps we use to finish even complicated retail construction projects with a punch list of sometimes even zero items.
Happy building,
Michele and Rich
KRCrossing Consulting
PS: Feel like watching our video on RECAP? Head over to our YouTube channel. Just click below.