We start projects with this adrenaline rush that usually subdues. You see, we can’t really lean on our motivation for a project to make it to the finish line. And in this case, unlike long distance racing, the important thing isn’t only to make it. It’s to make it on time, with the amount of resources set aside for it and having accomplished certain OKRs.
Are you taking the approach that maximizes efforts?
Ready? Set? Go!
We start projects with this adrenaline rush that usually subdues. You see, we can’t really lean on our motivation for a project to make it to the finish line. And in this case, unlike long distance racing, the important thing isn’t only to make it. It’s to make it on time, with the amount of resources set aside for it and having accomplished certain OKRs.
This is all the more true if you consider most teams work remotely. At least to some extent. And usually, they are interdisciplinary. Sometimes, they don’t even share a common language. So that is the best approach to manage a team and its product journey?
What are the options?
Project management styles define the overall mindset of the project. If you think of it in a linear way, you have two sides of the spectrum. In one, everything is planned as a whole and implemented once complete. In the other, each stage is 100% adaptive to what is going on. So, improvised. The whole tram in between is about how adaptive or incremental you are. And with what method.
Popular Project Management Approaches
- Waterfall Project Management
Waterfall, or traditional project management, provides a more linear approach. Once planning is completed, stages become fixed. In a Maslow-like manner, you can’t start the next strand before the previous one is checked off. It’s very orderly and predictable, but vulnerable to changes in context because of its rigid nature.
- Iterative and Incremental Project Management
It’s a highly flexible method. One we usually root for. It was born for software development companies, because of the constantly changing requirements. And the need to roll out and test real life instead of creating a perfect software that would quickly be obsolete.
Iterative and incremental project management methods include agile project management, dynamic systems development, and extreme project management.
- A Hybrid Approach
Sometimes your project calls for a blend. To take elements from here and there. For example, you can use Agile sprints if the scope is not well defined at the outset. But create a general project charter to gain approval, which is a plan driven technique.
Popular Project Management Methods
Management methods are subsections of the approaches. There is more than one way an iterative project can pan out. Hundreds of ways to plan a journey. There are only a few:
Scrum – An agile methodology characterized by short, fixed production cycles (sprints) with specific goals. It works great on interdisciplinary teams and promotes short, focused meetings.
Extreme programming (XP) – A type of agile methodology that’s focused on collaboration.
Critical path method –It uses a work breakdown structure to map out milestones. It’s commonly used in traditional approaches.
Lean – A method of optimizing the way your team works by reducing waste.
Kanban – An agile method that uses a visual representation of the phases and steps that need to be completed throughout a project.
How do I choose?
The easiest way is to identify the key project requirements. Will you need stakeholder approvals at every step? Will there be people from all over the world? How volatile is the product itself? Do you require a specific skill set? Is there a deadline set in stone?
In the end, it’s about managing risks that can derail the project. The approach ensures that you are equipped with the best strategies to tackle risks on time.
Most Popular Project Management Platforms
Once you’ve decided, it’s onwards and upwards. The time has come to plan and fulfill roles. And to ensure resource management, have multiple perspectives, track time, automate and collaborate, using at least one management platform is suggested.
For example, monday.com offers a visual and intuitive project management platform with templates and timelines to track progress. Asana is great to handle multiple projects and diverse teams. Smartsheet helps simplify processes and eliminate silos.
At Stillman, we have a selection of the best platforms and project managers to make the most out of your translation projects. We integrate seamlessly into your team and do what we know with passion and expertise.
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