Tips to Improve Project Methodology

I've trained 600+ project managers over the last 3 years. From budding teams in start-ups to large-scale projects in multinational corporations. Hre are 9 challenges and recommendations frequently shared. 1) Scope Creep Management It's daunting when project deliverables keep changing. Without clear boundaries and pushback, projects will derail. Highly recommend reading "Scope and Requirements Management" and "Effective PM and BA Role Collaboration" to solidify your scope management strategies. 2) Time Management Effective PMs understand that every minute counts. Design an “Ideal Project Week” and schedule critical tasks. Risk assessment? Schedule it. Stakeholder meeting? Schedule it. Documentation review? Schedule it. 3) Stakeholder Engagement Project Managers need to skillfully manage stakeholder expectations. Instead of just updating on progress, send out agendas ahead of stakeholder meetings. Focus on critical discussion points, and be prepared to address the top concerns. 4) Resource Allocation It's tempting to bring in the best talents, but ensure they align with the project's current needs. Don’t bring in a high-level consultant when you need hands-on expertise on the ground. 5) Driving Team Accountability Inconsistent team updates and feedback loops can hurt a project's momentum. As the PM authority, establish regular checkpoints. Embrace the mantra: “Consistency is the heartbeat of projects.” 6) Clear Project Objectives If stakeholders or team members can't quickly summarize the project's goal and outcomes, there’s a clarity issue. Consider methodologies like SMART goals to crystallize your objectives. 7) Handling Conflicts Project disputes, if not addressed promptly, can escalate and impact delivery. Address conflicts head-on. Familiarize yourself with techniques from "Crucial Conversations" for effective resolution. 8) Budgeting Managing finances is critical. A well-told narrative about your project’s ROI and value proposition is invaluable. Understand your budget's narrative, including how resources are allocated, potential ROI, and long-term project benefits. This narrative informs future budgeting decisions. 9) Project Strategy Many project managers grapple with succinctly defining their approach. A clearly articulated strategy not only provides direction but aids in stakeholder buy-in. I highly recommend diving into the "Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK)" to sharpen your strategic skills. How do you prioritize and balance stakeholder engagement with ensuring timely project delivery, especially when faced with conflicting interests?

How I Improve a Process as a Program Manager at Amazon Improving a process sounds simple. But here’s the hard part: → People are used to the old way → The data is incomplete → The risks feel bigger than the reward → And the real friction is buried in “this is how we’ve always done it” Here’s how I actually drive meaningful improvements without slowing everything down: 1/ I talk to the people closest to the process ↳ Not the VP. Not the dashboard. ↳ The person doing the work every day. ↳ They know where it breaks and what’s already been tried. 2/ I measure before I recommend anything ↳ I ask what the current state looks like. ↳ What’s the cost of the problem? ↳ If it’s not measurable, it’s just an opinion. 3/ I map the full process step by step ↳ I document every step, not just the broken parts. ↳ Most issues hide in the handoffs, not the headlines. 4/ I test a small version before making a big change ↳ One pilot. One clear metric. One short timeline. ↳ If it works, we scale it. If not, we adjust fast. 5/ I document and share what happened ↳ Even if it wasn’t perfect. ↳ Sharing wins trust and helps others replicate what worked. Fixing a process doesn’t require a full redesign. It requires curiosity, structure, and momentum. Start small. Make it better. Tell people about it. What’s one change you’ve made that had a big impact?