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Delays and cost overruns have plagued the construction industry. In fact, a Forbes article from November 2016 declared: "Construction Projects Are Failing," and research from the Construction Industry Institute Center for Leadership and Research shows that project delivering is suffering and 53% of construction projects are behind schedule or over budget. The reason? Leaders aren't following the right process to plan, manage, and execute projects.
Project Delivery is a repeatable method that empowers project teams to do what they do best. It's a holistic process, not a stand-alone method, that follows a repeatable format.
Below is an interview with Bradley Waldrop, PE. He's also known as the "Project Whisperer.” He's the secret weapon busy project managers go to for inspirational coaching to help them quickly and easily cut down their to-do list and win premiere projects.
Why is project delivery so important for busy project managers?
Busy project managers must rely on a team for everything from proposing on new projects through punch list and close out of projects. The delivery process includes multiple disciplines, stakeholders, and moving parts. All these moving parts make it imperative for the busy project manager to establish checklists and standard processes for every task along the way. For new project managers, these lists start on the job. For seasoned veterans, it's best to tap into your experience and start filling in the holes of standard processes and document your path. This way, you can delegate quickly and trust your team to complete tasks the right way.
Is there a particular project delivery issue that stands out above all others that busy project managers will need to pay special attention to as we go through this material?
It seems project managers can never communicate enough. So they need to pay close attention to their communication plan. In additional to the formal communication plan, they're wise to add a special weekly "heat check" call with your clients to cover the big picture items of progress, information that's still outstanding, and to identify items that would otherwise become surprises. This proactive communication helps busy project managers stay on task and avoid fire drills from preventable emergencies.
Will we discuss it more in detail later?
We discuss project delivery throughout this blog site. We reference important resources, additional reading, practical solutions, and we distribute tools and training to help busy project managers deliver value every day.
What is your purpose in doing this interview about project delivery for busy project managers?
Every busy project manager benefits from hearing from others. In fact, I discovered most of the great stuff that catapults our careers in casual conversations with others that are fighting the same battles we're fighting. It gives us a way to learn lessons from other's struggles and failures. And, when we fail, it gives us a therapeutic outlet as we share with others. It's a great way to do life together with those around you that just "get it."
Are there any special disclaimers or warnings you have for busy project managers about project delivery at this point?
Absolutely! Your mileage may vary. Every project, project team, client, and situation is different. There are rock-solid delivery methods, patterns, and rules of thumb, but there is no one-size-fits-all solution. In fact, I think that's one way we differentiate ourselves from other professionals. In most other industries and businesses, there's a standard operating procedure that works day after day. Project management is as much art as science.
How important is the project delivery information you're about to share for a busy project manager's success?
After delivering over $5B in constructed infrastructure over the last 32-years, I've developed a knack for turning around troubled projects. Not very many people have seen the recovery process or be in the hot seat as many times as I have. I want them to learn from me and from the projects that have destroyed reputations and cost some companies millions. I'd also like them to see how they can twist things. While I haven't won all the battles for project delivery and recovery, I've won most of them. This is going to be a fun interview.
Why is it this so important?
Project managers and principals in engineering (or other professional services companies) have destroyed their careers with poor project delivery. After all, that's what they're hired to do. But, they have a tough job. They have to digest ungodly amounts of information, juggle competing priorities, work through technical challenges without being the technical expert, and get commitment and follow through from a team that's often only loosely related to them and their career. It's hard work and easy to screw up.
Do you have a "quick start" checklist for busy project managers to help them implement what you've just taught them in this interview about project delivery?
I don't have a "quick start" checklist that covers this entire interview. However, I have a checklist that's been very useful for busy project managers. I've titled it "6 Steps to Canceling Half Your Meetings & Regaining Control Over Your Schedule!" With this simple six-step process, I guarantee you'll be able to recover an amazing amount of time so you can do a better job of connecting with your clients and your team. I hate busy work. I hate meetings that aren't knock-down drag outs. And that's why I created this simple tool. Grab it here >> https://jot.waldrop.link/cancel-meetings
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