Prepare a good project plan and keep it up to date!

Article#: 00048

Date: 2021-01-14

Author: Radim

Understand what the goal of the project is and why you want to achieve it.
Plan a path that will lead to the goal of the project.
Divide the path into many small steps.
For each step, plan WHAT will be done, HOW it will be done, WHO will do it and WHEN it will be done.
Pay attention to dependencies and priorities.
Assign clear competencies.
Discuss each step estimate with the people involved.
Try to anticipate and avoid obstacles.
Try to come up with alternative ways.
For each step, schedule a certain amount of time for obstacles that may appear but cannot be predicted.
Also plan the time needed to manage the project.
Share the plan with team members and make sure they agree with it.

Since you have a good plan, the work on the plan does not end!
A good plan needs to be kept up to date.
It is always necessary to know where we are and where we want to go.
Check the plan every day!
Mark completed tasks.
Adapt the remaining tasks according to current developments.
Add new tasks if they have popped up.
Share the plan with the team members and make sure they agree with it.

© Radim-Automation, 2020–2025. All rights reserved.
Sharing of this article is permitted with proper attribution (link to the original page).

Related previous articles:

• Is the way really the goal?
• Do you really want to start with this?
• I can see what you can not see
• More than just start and stop
• Safety first!
• Do the right things and do them right!
• Define test scenarios and test cases continuously!
• Don't make it worse!
• Write a project diary!
• Keep the answers to the question "Why"
• Everything is difficult until it becomes easy
• Realize every good idea ASAP!
• Get and stay in the flow!
• Industrial evolution - Listen to your customers and follow new trends!
• Stay alert!
• Have an expert on hand!
• What does the customer need?
• Don't disappoint your customer!
• Ask questions!
• Assign tasks efficiently!
• Communication skills are extremely important
• Don't replace employees in the middle of the project!
• Develop a sense of responsibility!
• Get the things done with a small, motivated team!
• Focus on target!
• Avoid overly optimistic estimates!
• 9 women can't make a baby in a month
• Sharpen your axe before you start felling!
• Understand - Agree - Be Identified - Believe
• Don't hide any problem!
• Check the result!
• Keep it simple!
• Don't leave a work package half-finished!
• Success is not a matter of coincidence
• Choose the right tool!
• Good communication is important
• Development is evolution
• Don't neglect and don't skip any step!
• Transparency and reliability
• From an idea to a consistent system

Related next articles:

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• Write down your best practices and processes!
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• Why do automation projects fail?
• Project leader
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• Think critically!
• A good concept = Complete set of suitable solutions
• Knowledge gained from a completed project is priceless
• Visual modeling
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• Keep the documentation up to date throughout the project
• Maintain order in the program code
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• Dedicated employees
• The false illusion of rapid progress

Comment#: 00001

Date: 2021-02-13

User: Radim

The project manager is responsible for ensuring that the project runs smoothly and, if problems arise, that they are found and fixed as quickly as possible.

Comment#: 00002

Date: 2021-10-22

User: Radim

"Working without a plan may seem scary. But blindly following a plan that has no relationship with reality is even scarier."
- Jason Fried, David Heinemeier Hansson. 37signals (2010). Rework.

Comment#: 00003

Date: 2022-07-10

User: Radim

"We need to understand our clients' deadline expectations, but the schedule shouldn't be based solely on that. Too many planning activities are compromised from the project beginning by simply focusing too much on the expected delivery date and then planning the activity from start to finish. In contrast to this process, a great plan is based on three key elements:
1. Outputs - what our project should deliver
2. Resources - what we need to realize the project
3. Dependencies - connections between individual work items"
- Stephen Barker, Rob Cole. Grada Publishing (2009). Projektový management pro praxi.

Comment#: 00004

Date: 2022-07-28

User: Radim

"Precise software planning is the key to success. Software functions can be planned efficiently only if the relevant requirements are dentified in advance. On the basis of these requirements, it is possible to work out how the software must be implemented and structured. The time required to develop the software can be calculated and the relevant deadlines planned accordingly.
Regular consultation with the customer prevents any unpleasant surprises for either party. For this purpose, the implementation schedule must be discussed with the customer and recorded in writing at an early stage.
A process for implementing development of the software must also be set out. The status and progress of the development task is then clearly identifiable and any deviations from the agreed process can be picked up early. When deviations are identified early enough, there is still time to take corrective action."
- Michael Braun and Wolfang Horn. Publicis Pixelpark Erlangen (2017). Object-Oriented Programming with SIMOTION.

Comment#: 00005

Date: 2022-10-01

User: Radim

"Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth."
- Mike Tyson

Comment#: 00006

Date: 2022-12-02

User: Radim

"I also recommend that you always only plan for the coming week or the coming day. Your advantage? You can react more flexibly to the unforeseen and at the same time have an overview of everything current.
When planning, take into account your overarching corporate goals, the fixed dates and your individual to-dos from the task list. Plan realistically and rather conservatively, because experience has shown that we overestimate the time that is available to us every day. And at the same time, we underestimate anything that we can do over a longer period of time."
Translated from:
- Gabriele Thies. 8 Wege, um deine Aufgaben sinnvoll zu strukturieren.
- https://www.gabrielethies.de/blog/aufgaben-sinnvoll-strukturieren

Comment#: 00007

Date: 2022-12-26

User: Radim

"All projects run into trouble at one time or another. The question is not whether problems will occur, but to what degree. When difficulties begin to impede progress, one of the tests of good project management is how quickly the project is brought back on course."
- Jeffrey K. Pinto, Om P. Kharbanda. Business Horizons (1996). How to fail in project management (without really trying) (Page 48).

Comment#: 00008

Date: 2022-12-26

User: Radim

"The true test of successful project managers lies in their flexibility and capacity to respond in clearheaded ways to problems once they occur."
- Jeffrey K. Pinto, Om P. Kharbanda. Business Horizons (1996). How to fail in project management (without really trying) (Page 48).

Comment#: 00009

Date: 2022-12-26

User: Radim

"A logical exercise in which project managers must engage is to continually ask a series of "What if?" questions. This forces the project manager and the team to search out likely problem areas actively rather than wait for trouble to find them.
An important side note: Research has demonstrated that the project managers who spend adequate up-front time developing a series of "What if?" scenarios and their responses to them are more successful than those who operate in a purely reactive manner, waiting until problems occur before weighing their various responses."
- Jeffrey K. Pinto, Om P. Kharbanda. Business Horizons (1996). How to fail in project management (without really trying) (Page 48).

Comment#: 00010

Date: 2023-03-08

User: Radim

Do you know what AI means? Yes, AI means Artificial Intelligence...
And do you know what AE means? Well, AE means Artificial Engagement. You can observe AE in organizations where the shared vision is not clear and where leadership is not concerned with driving the vision into reality. In the organization with AE everyone is somehow busy, but it doesn't help on the way to the realistic goal (to realizing the vision).

Comment#: 00012

Date: 2023-08-11

User: Radim

"How to eliminate fifty percent of your business worries.

Everyone who wishes to present a problem to me must first prepare and submit a memorandum answering these four questions:
1. What is the problem?
2. What is the cause of the problem?
3. What are all the possible solutions of the problem?
4. What solution do you suggest?

My associates rarely come to me now with their problems. Why? Because they've discovered that in order to answer those four questions, they have to get all the facts and think their problems through. And they've done that, they find in three-fourths of the the cases they don't have to consult me at all because the proper solution has popped out like a piece o fbread popping up from an electric toaster. Even in those cases where consultation is snecessary the discussion takes about one-third of the time formely required because it proceeds along an orderly, logical path to a reason conclusion."

- Dale Carnegie. Crescent News (1944). How to Stop Worrying and Start Living.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKzlc_N2yxw (01:07:50 - 01:09:53)

Comment#: 00013

Date: 2023-08-11

User: Radim

"Basic techniques in analysing worry:
Rule 1 - get the fact. Half the worry in the wold is caused by people trying to make decisions before they have sufficient knowledge on which to base a decision.
Rule 2 - after carefully weighing all the facts come to a decision.
Rule 3 - once a decision is carefully reached, act, get busy carrying out your decision and dismiss all enxiety about the outcome.
Rule 4 - when you or any of your associates are tempted to worry about a problem, write out and anser the following questions:
a) What is the problem?
b) What is the cause of the problem?
c) What are all possible solutions?
d) What is the best solution?"

- Dale Carnegie. Crescent News (1944). How to Stop Worrying and Start Living.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKzlc_N2yxw (01:12:50 - 01:13:50)

Comment#: 00014

Date: 2023-08-17

User: Radim

Why is there never enough time to do it right the first time, but always enough time to do it over?

"The saying "There's never enough time to do it right the first time, but always enough time to do it over" reflects a common observation about human behavior and project management. It suggests that people often rush through tasks or projects initially, hoping to save time and effort, but end up making mistakes or producing subpar results. As a result, they eventually need to invest more time and resources to fix those mistakes or redo the work properly.

There are several reasons why this phenomenon occurs:

1. Underestimation of Complexity: People might underestimate the complexity or difficulty of a task or project at the outset. This can lead to inadequate planning and allocation of resources, resulting in mistakes or oversights.

2. Pressure to Meet Deadlines: There is often pressure to complete tasks or projects quickly to meet deadlines. This can lead to shortcuts being taken or important steps being skipped in the interest of saving time.

3. Lack of Attention to Detail: When rushing through a task, individuals might not pay enough attention to details, leading to errors that require corrections later.

4. Overconfidence: Sometimes, people might overestimate their abilities or knowledge, leading them to believe they can complete a task quickly without proper preparation or diligence.

5. Incomplete Information: In some cases, tasks or projects might be started without having all the necessary information or requirements. This can lead to incorrect assumptions and decisions.

6. Limited Resources: Constraints on resources such as time, money, or manpower might force people to cut corners initially, with the intention of fixing things later when more resources are available.

7. Learning Curve: Sometimes, tasks involve new skills or technologies that individuals need to learn along the way. Initial attempts might be suboptimal as people are still acquiring the necessary expertise.

The saying serves as a reminder that investing the necessary time and effort upfront to do a task properly can save more time and resources in the long run. Proper planning, attention to detail, and thorough execution can help prevent mistakes and the need for redoing work.

However, it's worth noting that the saying is not universally true. In some cases, rushing through tasks might yield acceptable results, and redoing work might not be necessary. It all depends on the nature of the task, the level of expertise involved, and the specific circumstances."

- https://chat.openai.com (Why is there never enough time to do it right the first time, but always enough time to do it over?)

Comment#: 00016

Date: 2023-09-11

User: Radim

Does it make sense to think about digitalization if we don't see any use case?

"If you don't see any practical use case or clear benefit for digitalization in your specific situation, it may not make sense to pursue it blindly. Digitalization should always align with your organization's goals and needs. Here are some considerations:

1. Assess Business Objectives: Start by identifying your organization's objectives and challenges. Digitalization should align with your strategic goals, whether it's improving efficiency, reaching new markets, enhancing customer experiences, or reducing costs.

2. Customer Demands: Consider whether your customers or clients expect or would benefit from digital solutions. If there's no demand for digital services, investing in them may not provide a return on investment.

3. Competitive Landscape: Analyze your competition. If your competitors are effectively utilizing digital technologies to gain a competitive advantage, it might be necessary to explore digitalization to stay relevant.

4. Cost-Benefit Analysis: Conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis to determine if the potential benefits of digitalization outweigh the costs. If the investment doesn't offer a reasonable return, it might not be justified.

5. Resource Availability: Evaluate whether you have the necessary resources, including financial resources, technical expertise, and staff training, to implement and sustain digital solutions effectively.

6. Future Growth: Consider the scalability of your organization. Even if you don't currently see a clear use case for digitalization, it's essential to think about your organization's future growth and whether digital technologies could play a role in that growth.

7. Technology Trends: Stay informed about industry trends and emerging technologies. While there may not be an immediate use case, technological advancements could create new opportunities down the line.

8. Customer Feedback: Engage with your customers or stakeholders to gather feedback on their needs and preferences. They may provide insights that could uncover potential use cases for digitalization.

9. Pilot Projects: Instead of a full-scale digital transformation, consider starting with smaller pilot projects to test the waters and assess the feasibility and impact of digital solutions in a controlled environment.

10. Consult Experts: Seek advice from digital transformation consultants or experts in your industry. They can provide insights into potential use cases and help you determine if digitalization is appropriate for your organization.

In some cases, it may indeed be the case that digitalization doesn't make sense for your organization at a given time. However, it's essential to regularly revisit this assessment as technology and business landscapes evolve. What might not be relevant today could become essential in the future. Ultimately, the decision to pursue digitalization should be guided by a thorough understanding of your organization's unique needs and circumstances."

- https://chat.openai.com (Does it make sense to think about digitalization if we don't see any use case?)

Comment#: 00017

Date: 2023-10-02

User: Radim

How to get the right intuition?

"Developing and honing your intuition can be a valuable skill, but it's important to remember that intuition is inherently subjective and can't always be "right" in an objective sense. However, you can work on improving the accuracy and reliability of your intuition by following these tips:

1. Increase Your Knowledge and Experience: The more you know about a particular subject or domain, the better your intuition is likely to be within that area. Gain expertise and experience through study, practice, and exposure.

2. Trust Your Gut: Pay attention to your gut feelings or initial impressions. Sometimes, your subconscious mind processes information faster than your conscious mind, leading to intuitive insights. Don't dismiss these feelings outright; give them consideration.

3. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness meditation can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings. This self-awareness can improve your ability to recognize and trust your intuition.

4. Keep a Journal: Maintain a journal where you record your intuitive hunches and the outcomes. Over time, this can help you assess the accuracy of your intuition and learn from your experiences.

5. Seek Feedback: Discuss your intuitive insights with trusted friends, mentors, or colleagues. They can provide valuable perspectives and help you refine your intuition by offering feedback on your decisions.

6. Validate with Data: When possible, seek out data or information that can confirm or refute your intuitive impressions. This can help you develop a more evidence-based form of intuition.

7. Relax and Clear Your Mind: High-stress levels or a cluttered mind can cloud your intuition. Engage in relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation to clear your mind and enhance your intuitive abilities.

8. Ask Open-Ended Questions: When facing a problem or decision, ask yourself open-ended questions and let your mind wander. This can stimulate creative and intuitive thinking.

9. Learn from Mistakes: Embrace your intuition's imperfections. When your intuition leads you astray, use those experiences as learning opportunities. Analyze what went wrong and adjust your intuition accordingly.

10. Practice Patience: Sometimes, intuition needs time to develop. Don't rush your decision-making process if you're unsure. Give yourself the space to allow your intuition to emerge.

11. Combine with Analysis: Balance your intuition with analytical thinking. For important decisions, use your intuition as an initial guide but then follow up with critical analysis and data-driven assessment.

12. Cultivate Emotional Intelligence: Understand and manage your emotions effectively. Emotional intelligence can enhance your ability to perceive and interpret your own and others' emotional signals, which can inform your intuition.

Remember that intuition can vary from person to person, and it's not always infallible. It's a skill that you can refine over time, but it's also important to recognize its limitations and use it as a complementary tool alongside rational thinking and evidence-based decision-making when appropriate."

- https://chat.openai.com (How to get the right intuition?)

Comment#: 00018

Date: 2023-10-04

User: Radim

"Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow."
- Plato

Comment#: 00020

Date: 2023-10-06

User: Radim

"Having the right boss early in your career is a huge blessing."
- Sandeep M.

Comment#: 00021

Date: 2024-01-05

User: Radim

Let's speed things up!

One man needs one hour to dig a hole 1 meter deep, 1 meter wide and 1 meter long. How much time does it take if you engage 10 men?

ChatGPT: "If one man can dig a hole that is 1 meter deep, 1 meter wide, and 1 meter long in one hour, and you have 10 men working simultaneously, you can divide the time by the number of men to find the total time it takes for the group to complete the task.

So, it would take 1 hour / 10 men = 0.1 hours (or 6 minutes) for the group of 10 men to dig the hole."

Do you agree with ChatGPT's answer?