The Project Management Skill Sharpener describes 26 competencies that account for frequent and significant project problems - busted schedules, cost overruns, bad feeling among team members, marginal ROI, project-resistant cultures, etc. We developed the PMSSharpener to help new and experienced project managers avoid common pitfalls and resolve bad habits, respectively.

To use the sharpener, all you need to do is click on the button below, which will transport you to the items page. Read the instructions and, if you've already led projects, use each item to rate your typical project management behaviors. If you're brand new to project management, read an item and ask yourself, (a) "Is this something I'd probably do?" and (b) "If I did do this, would I do it well?" The lower your estimate on either count, the lower you should rate yourself on the item. As soon as you click a rating button, you will receive a new page with rating-appropriate feedback.

Whenever you rate your ability somewhere between 'average' and 'low', your feedback will include tips on how to improve. At the bottom of each 'tips' page, you'll find a "download" button so you can download a pdf version of the information on that page. If you use this option throughout the entire 26 items, you can accumulate a personalized booklet of project management skill tips that are particularly relevant to you.

You'll also find an "On to the next item" button at the bottom of each page. Click it and the original PMSSharpener page will return with your next item at the top, ready for you to read and rate.

When you finish the entire PMSSharpener and if you've downloaded several 'tips' pdf documents, e-mail us your name and address and we'll be happy to send you a front and back cover for your booklet, free of charge. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy our web-based learning tool.