It seems that many companies believe they know how to do project management effectively. Based on what I've seen, I would at least partially disagree. Yes, I'm sure there is a project management methodology they follow on paper and there are probably tons of project management documents posted somewhere (on a SharePoint, on an Intranet Site etc.). There are probably a number of people that have done their project management certifications (e.g. PMP etc.). You might even send people to training classes and get Project Management Magazines (e.g. PM Network) on a regular basis. This is all good and necessary and I highly recommend having certified Project Professionals available for your Projects. But the more important question is, how much is the whole project management knowledge and culture applied in your everyday business operations?
It's good to have the knowledge but what is it good for if you don't use it?
Take a moment to think about how often you heard, read or saw other people talking about necessary project management steps that you've never applied to any of your projects.
Let's look at one example: What happens in your company if you move from one project phase into the next one. Let's say from the Analysis Phase to the Design Phase. Do you evaluate your goals, costs and resources used so far? Do you know if it makes sense to continue with the project at that time?
In many cases the project just goes on because the budget was approved at the beginning and so the project simply proceeds. Project Manager, Project Sponsor or the Project Team probably know about the step but don't use in their projects. To engrain this step in your companies culture is not an easy step.
Depending on the Project Management Maturity in your company I suggest to use less Methodology steps but to really engrain the ones you use deeply in your company culture. Keep in mind that the acceptance of that culture is key. You have to come up with a way that makes people want that culture. Spend enough time here before you proceed with any changes.
To go back to the example above: If you use a project plan (includes project schedule, risk management plan, cost management plan, procurement management plan) make sure everyone knows about the plan and uses the plan. Reduce steps if they are not followed (e.g. remove the cost management plan).
Note: the purpose to reduce some steps in the project plan is to increase the acceptance of the project stakeholders. Once the accpetance is there you can and should work on the next steps.
As a project manager you are responsible to build a stronger team, so work with and for your team to get it there.
