I systematically gather essential information (project objective, budget, timeline, available resources, shortfall consequences, outcome standards, level of organizational priority & support, etc.) from my project Prime Mover (people with the authority and resources to initiate and terminate the project).

Item #2

I ask an adequate sample of project end users to describe what (a) the best project result would be for them, (b) the minimum acceptable result would be (standards), (c) the bottom line impact of the project result would likely be, (d) date they would like to receive the project result, (e) training they will require to use the result effectively and efficiently and (f) end users would be best suited to the role of beta testers of intermediate project results.

Item #3

I carefully observe the work environment where the project result will be used and I ask end users to describe/demonstrate how the project result would be used.

Item #4

I interview an adequate sample of potential project participants, asking (a) what resources would be required to complete the project, (b) who should and could participate in the project, (c) what existing methods, products, services or technologies could be used to simplify or accelerate the project, (d) if any aspects of the project would be particularly difficult and/or prone to schedule or cost over-runs, and (e) what functions and/or activities should be part of the project plan.

Item #5 

I develop and negotiate procurement approval of a Needed Resources Budget that describes (a) what every essential and non-routine resource (e.g.. equipment, vendor, raw material, Prime Mover approval, etc.) that will be required for project success is and (b) when it will be required.

Item #6

Before beginning the planning process, I identify and meet with all project participants to describe the project purpose and to ask for input to the project objective, priority, timeline, potential problems, benefits and preliminary plans (Work Breakdown Structure and Task Schedule).

Item #7

I ask all project participants for preliminary commitments to complete their project tasks on schedule and to hand off an acceptable intermediate result.

Item #8

When a project objective can be upgraded (better result, lower cost, faster completion, longer commercial viability, etc.), I effectively sell the upgrade to Prime Movers, participants and end users before or during the conduct of the project.

Item #9

I develop a Work Breakdown Structure (project scoping), an appropriate project chart (P.E.R.T., C/PM, Gantt, etc.) and task lists before beginning a project and I present these plan elements to project participants for input and for specific performance commitments.

Item #10 

I develop a thorough documentation and review routine before a project begins and I maintain both throughout the course of the project.

Item #11

I methodically use a time management/planning tool (Daytimer, computer-based scheduler, PalmPilot, etc.) to schedule and protect time required to effectively manage my projects.

Item #12

I make sure that contingency plans are developed for anticipated problems when (a) project shortfalls would have significant financial effects or (b) resources and/or participants would become unavailable if the project schedule was compromised.

Item #13

I communicate to participants, end users and resource providers clearly, unambiguously and frequently enough to maintain interest, involvement and support.

Item #14

I use benefit-focused techniques to persuade people (Prime Movers, Participants and End-Users) to support my projects.

Item #15

When benefit-focused persuasion techniques are ineffective and the success of my project is put in doubt, I'm prepared to and effective at generating project support by appealing to authority.

Item #16

I either coach or arrange for someone else to coach reluctant and/or underperforming participants before they can compromise my project schedule.

Item #17

I reserve the use of delegation for participants who, for whatever reason, come to my projects underprepared but who are motivated enough to learn what is required to complete their assigned project tasks.

Item #18

I pre-sell capable but reluctant project participants on my projects to gain their commitment and I regularly re-sell them until their project responsibilities are completed

Item #19

I meet with the supervisor(s) of time-critical project participants to ensure that their participation in the project will be prioritized (competing assignments will not significantly conflict with project work).

Item #20

I normally meet with project participants while or just before they are scheduled to perform their tasks in order to (a) ensure their readiness to participate, (b) arrange for needed resources, (c) get an update on their progress, (d) confirm their adherence to intermediate outcome quality standards and/or (e) diagnose/remedy any problems or shortfalls.

Item #21

Before complying with a request/demand to shorten the project schedule, I (a) review the benefits and shortfall potential that a shortened schedule is likely to have on my project objective, (b) discuss the request with impacted participants and (c) advise the requester (usually a Prime Mover) of the impact that shortening the project schedule would probably have.

Item #22

I regularly meet with and/or send memos to all Prime Movers to update them on progress, budget, problems (real and potential) and remedies.

Item #23

I treat participants well; as if the success of the project and of my career aspirations depend on their good will.

Item #24

I plan for and support an end-user hand off presentation, training package, user's documentation, follow through liaison and/or results measurement.

Item #25

I thank participants according to their unique contribution to project success, ranging from a personal "thank you" to a handwritten thank-you letter and/or personnel file commendation.

Item #26

I write and circulate a post-project summary that describes notable aspects of the project and lessons learned during the project.