006WHA~1

Summary

The script delves into the pivotal role of a project manager, who acts as the CEO of a project, ensuring its success within the constraints of time, budget, and scope. They are accountable for the project's goals and must assess and negotiate realistic parameters. Drawing inspiration from President Harry Truman, the script emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility and not shirking from tough situations. Project managers must oversee all tasks, support team members, and utilize their skills and expertise to navigate challenges and keep projects on track.

Takeaways

• 📈 A project is a temporary initiative with a specific goal, agreed upon, planned, and executed to achieve that goal.
• 👤 The project manager is akin to the CEO of the project, being the single point of accountability for its success.
• 🔑 Success is defined by achieving the project's specific goal within the agreed time and budget constraints, adhering to the project management triple constraint model.
• 🚫 The project manager must assess the feasibility of the project's constraints and negotiate for adjustments if they are deemed impractical.
• ❌ The project manager has the authority to refuse to lead a project if the constraints and expectations are too divergent to ensure success.
• 🤔 The term 'accountable' means to take responsibility for a work or situation without passing it to others, a commitment not to evade responsibility.
• 🏆 Accountability in project management extends to overseeing all tasks related to the project, including those performed by team members, vendors, and stakeholders.
• 👷 Project managers need to have full control and visibility over all project work, intervening to assist and motivate when progress is off track.
• 🛡️ Project managers are equipped with skills, knowledge, and expertise to make informed decisions and guide the project in the right direction.
• 💡 The concept of accountability is exemplified by U.S. President Harry Truman, who famously had a sign on his desk stating 'The buck stops here', symbolizing his commitment to responsibility.
• 🛠️ The project manager's role is to commit to achieving certain results and deliver on that commitment, which requires a significant level of dedication and action.

Q & A

What is a project as defined in the script?

A project is a temporary initiative that is agreed upon, planned, and executed to achieve a specific goal.

Who is typically responsible for the successful execution of a project?

The project manager is typically responsible for the successful execution of a project.

What is the project manager's role in relation to the project management triple constraint?

The project manager is accountable for ensuring the project's success within the constraints of time, budget, and scope, fitting within the project management triple constraint.

What should a project manager do if the project constraints are deemed unrealistic?

If the project constraints are deemed unrealistic, the project manager should demonstrate why to the proposer and negotiate for additional time, resources, or an adjustment to the goal.

What is the project manager's right if they feel the project's constraints and expectations are too far apart?

The project manager has the right to refuse to head a project if they feel the difference between the set constraints and realistic expectations is too large.

What does the term 'accountable' mean in the context of project management?

In the context of project management, being 'accountable' means committing to achieve a certain result and then delivering on that commitment.

What is the origin of the term 'accountable' as used in the script?

The term 'accountable' originates from the game of poker, where a buckhorn-handled knife was passed to signify the next dealer, symbolizing the passing of responsibility.

Who is the person in the picture mentioned in the script, and what does the sign on his desk represent?

The person in the picture is U.S. President Harry Truman, and the sign on his desk represents his promise not to run away from his responsibility.

What is the formal definition of accountability provided in the script?

The formal definition of accountability is to commit to achieving a certain result and then deliver on that commitment.

How does the script describe the project manager's responsibility towards the project team and stakeholders?

The project manager is accountable not only for their own tasks but also for all tasks that other parties must work on and complete, including team members, support functions, managers, vendors, and other stakeholders.

What skills, knowledge, and expertise does the script suggest a project manager should have?

The script suggests that a project manager should have skills, knowledge, and expertise that will help them make the best decisions and direct work in the right direction.