A Pocket Guide for Project Managers: Maximize People, Process, and Tools

by Michael J. Bettigole

Organizations can deliver projects that are on time, are within budget, and produce the results they are intended to -and it starts with project managers. Author Michael J. Bettigole, who has painstakingly studied the patterns and circumstances surrounding project success and failure, shares strategies to help project managers on the front lines accomplish their objectives. In a clear, concise format, he shares best practices so project managers can demonstrate their expertise and distinguish themselves as leaders in the field. He also explores how project managers can improve communication with members of the team; keep team members accountable; provide assistance to fi x problems; and pick the management style that works best. Organized by the topics that most directly affect project delivery-accountability, transparency, communication, governance, control, leadership, and tools-the advice is simple and easy to put into action. Numerous case studies on projects that succeeded and on those that went wrong help organizations duplicate victories and avoid pitfalls. Whether you're a project manager or someone higher up in the organization, you can gather the tools you need to help your team get the job done right with A Pocket Guide for Project Managers.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Leadership

214 pages, Paperback

First published September 24, 2014

Reviews

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently won this book via Goodreads First Reads Giveaways.

This reference book outlines the methodology and best practices to follow for project management, for project success. Where was this book when I needed it?

In this book, the author outlines project success characteristics, and every single one of them plays a part in the big picture. They include:
(1) Accountability
(2) Communication
(3) Transparency
(4) Governance
(5) Control
(6) Leadership & Style
(7) Tools

For me, I come from a family of engineers, and I am the only one who changed the routine and went into accounting.My father used to instil in me to "follow the critical path", be organised and document everything. I followed these principles as a Senior Business Analyst for 25 years in the government, managing projects from beginning to end. It was not easy, but I learned a lot, and recognised the importance of the "KISS" principle keeping things simple, and maintain a open communication line, and always complete documentation . I always said to team members, if I need to collect business requirements...don't bother meeting with the manager...always meet with the staff member that utilises the application. They are the ones that can provide the best input and valuable solutions for improvement. They use the application. Other things that stand out for me was beware of "scope creep", the need to be specific in your requirements, and the signoff of approval from those effected parties. And last we always documented and discussed "lessons learned", for future means of improvement.

I now work from home in my own consulting company, but the principles are always beneficial to practice. Thank you for allowing me to read your book!

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently won this book via Goodreads First Reads Giveaways.

This is a very useful book and one that I would recommend all Project Managers to read. Although recently retired now, my husband was involved in and managed many projects.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great condensed guide on the topic of project management for beginners and veterans alike. I would've liked more info on technical project managers, issues with resources, workstream leads, senior managers, sponsors, and governance/ management models with multiple PMs assigned. Despite the time elapsed since publication, most of Bettigole's advice is still relevant. I don't typically mark up my books, but this may be one that I go through and highlight for easier reference in the future.

[Morgan Sohl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid quick guide on project management. Good review.

[Daniel Seifert · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Pocket Guide for Project Managers is a conveniently helpful text that I use at my desk when reflecting on project startups and processes. While I have read various text on the subject and even been formally trained in leadership, I have come to rely on this desk reference as a go to for orienting and reorienting my practice that requires managing projects with a small team of people. It does not provide “all” the answers, yet offers guidance that assist with exploring answers and solutions to questions and challenges. The text primarily offers clear and sagacious tips and case studies for reflection. Michael Bettigole covers the follow important areas of responsibility of an faithful project manage and which most directly affect project success and delivery: 1] Accountability, 2] end-to-end Communication, 3] Accountability, 4] consistent Governance and Compliance, 5] project Control, 6] active Leadership, and 7]the right Tools.

The tips are numbered making it a organized reference and memory tool when needing to reflect on a project at any stage.