This book provides a comprehensive source of hints, tips and guidance to help you finish tasks at work. It starts by considering straightforward tasks you do on your own, moves through working as a team, and then enters the world of projects.
The book is structured to flick through the contents list and go straight to the checklist you want. If you are not sure which individual checklist will solve your immediate problem you can use the book in a hierarchical fashion. Start at the checklist below and work down to the detailed advice you need. In most cases it is obvious which specific checklist you need. But where the chapter you have been pointed to is complex, it also starts with an introductory checklist or advice to help you navigate.
The checklists have a variety of formats. Many are lists of advice, some are tables, and others are template forms. Where bullet points are used, the order of the points is not important. In contrast, where numbered points are used the checklist provides a roughly logical procedure – although common sense needs to be applied.
There are links between checklists to help you navigate between different chapters. The best way to use the book is to simply dive in. Why not read through the checklist below? It points to wherever you need to go.
Whatever journey you need to make to get the task done, this book will help you get there.
Which checklist do you need?
- You are working alone and want some simple advice on making your time more productive . . . go to Chapter 1.
- You are working with a small team and need help in ensuring the team does what you want them to do . . . go to Chapter 2.
- You know you want something done but you are having trouble getting your ideas clear . . . go to Chapters 3 and 4.
- You want a project(s) accepted and approved by others in your organisation . . . refer to the checklists in Chapter 4, and see the checklist on page 189.
- You want to make a project concept clearer . . . go to Chapter 5.
- Your project is understood and approved. Now you just need to get started . . . go to Chapter 6.
- You need advice on how to keep your project running smoothly and successfully . . . refer to the checklists in Chapter 7, see page 144, and then look at Chapter 10.
- Your want to finish your project in the best possible way . . . go to Chapter 8, and then try Chapters 13 and 14.
- Your project is now over and you want to make sure that the things you have learnt are captured . . . go to Chapter 9.
- You want to understand and make use of the full range of tools available to project managers . . . start with the checklists on pages 61 and 144 and then go to Chapter 10.
- You have several projects or a programme to run and want to make sure you can keep on top of them . . . refer to the checklists in Chapter 11, and try the checklist on page 172.
- You want to set up or are already managing a team of project managers . . . refer to the checklists in Chapter 12, and then try see pages 82, 94, 144 and 183.
- Your project will result in business or organisational change . . . go to Chapter 13.
- You have business benefits to achieve with your project . . . go to
Chapter 14. - You need to set up and manage a project budget . . . see pages 72, 89, 168 and 235.