Have you ever started a project and in no time staff members are unclear as to their roles, responsibilities, and deadlines. Here are several tools to help you manage your projects by giving yourself and others clear visual tools of expectations and deadlines.
Process Mapping
Are you running an existing project and know the wheels are getting caught in the mud but are unsure how or where to start? Process mapping is for you. A process map visually shows each task to completing a goal, who completes those tasks, and how they are interlinked with one another.
Developing a good process map will help you to identify where solutions could occur and lead to a brainstorming and prioritization discussion of what change should occur. Are you providing outreach to the right people? Is your CRM too cumbersome for your staff and training is required? Are people completing the process differently altogether, leaving you with inaccurate data and metrics? A process map can identify these areas of contrast for further discussion and analysis.
Creating a process map requires a good facilitator who is outside of the project’s core team to develop.
GANTT Charts
If you’re starting a new project and want to keep everyone on track, GANTT charts can be your new best friend! GANTT Charts highlight what tasks need to be completed and what timeline the team has to complete them. A GANTT chart will help you, as the project manager to communicate to leadership and to employees where you are at in a process and identify key deadlines and milestones. Understanding the deadlines, milestones, and timelines will help you to properly allocate resources across various initiatives or projects.
Creating a GANTT chart can be done by a project manager who is comfortable with GANTT charts or by a good facilitator who understands what information needs to be captured.
RACI Charts
RACI Charts are my personal favorite of mine! RACI stands for the following:
R = Responsible
A = Accountable
C = Consulted
I = Informed
If you’ve ever had ambiguity about who needs to lead a task or who is a participant, this is the tool for you. A RACI chat goes through task by task and identify what positions in the organization are responsible for the completion of the task, what positions are held accountable for the completion of the task, what positions need to be consulted to complete the task, and who needs to be informed about the task.
RACI charts help to clear up ambiguity and set clear expectations for staff and managers. As we all know, setting clear boundaries and expectations is key to avoiding burnout and discontent among high achieving workers.
Effective Implementation
Tools are great when they work but costly and annoying when they don’t. Bynes Consulting is here to help. Not all tools are created equal, and it is important to identify your staff limitations and abilities in implementing any of these tools. It is also important to have a neutral facilitator who is looking at the process and not the people involved. Often, your problem will be solved by getting collective buy in to change the overall process.
Contact Bynes Consulting Group, LLC today to talk about best ways to organize, communicate, and manage your project.
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