What can be said about companies that use many small projects to run their business?

It was so much easier before. When someone would say that they have too many projects, that would usually mean two or three, tops. Nowadays, too many projects can span from 5 to 12 projects done simultaneously.

In today’s competitive market, companies that don’t adjust their workload well enough or quickly are at risk of losing their valuable talent. In other words, a team can be great, the work motivating, but if the pace is unsustainable – soon enough the company will see their best project managers heading towards the door.

Of course, when we talk about the number of projects, we are not generalizing. The number of projects that can be managed simultaneously by one person depends on the nature of the projects itself, mainly how long they last and how many people are involved.

How is a project properly managed?

It sounds simple. Projects managed properly have their scope, time, and cost baselines aptly established during the planning phase. During their execution, these projects are run in a way that allows them to be finished as close to the initial baseline as possible.

Quite a few smaller projects can be managed simultaneously without the danger of failing to meet the planned goals. We are talking here about a project that takes 3 to 6 months, handled by a team of 2 to 5 people. With larger projects (12-18 months in duration with a team size of 25 or more people) the story can be headed in a different direction. The bigger the project – the bigger the risk. Especially if it doesn’t have the sole attention of a project manager.

However, when projects are similar and there is a sort of routin in the way they’re done (unlike when the project in question is highly unique) – more project can be managed at one time, without stressing out the team leader and the team itself.

Also, technology, standards, and iproved processes have allowed us to be more efficient when managing projects thus allowing a great number of projects to be done simultaneously.

Anyhow, when there are numerous projects on hand, team burnout can kick in, followed by costly productivity and quality problems, as well as incresed employee fluctuation.

How can an organization determine when one person is managing too many projects at one time?

First of all, executives can notice that their project manager is spending less managing project activities and becoming more of a status reporter. Overwhelmed by the size of their responsibilities, they have less and less influence on the direction of the projects.

It’s clear that this is a very inefficient way for the organization to strive for good results.

What can be done?

For starters, try taking advantage of all the benefits new technology provides you with. Different software can help you keep track of all tasks, expenses and responsibilities. This makes prioritizing and delegation far simpler.

However, there are a few more tricks you can use to keep your head above the water when the number of projects just keeps piling up.

1. DON’T BE AFRAID TO COMPARE YOURSELF

…with other project managers in your organization. Make sure you don’t wander off by comparing yourself with others on a different kind of projects. Compare apples to apple and take a close and detailed look at whether your projects are the same as the project manager’s you are comparing yourself to.

Let’s call this reality check. Talk to them and see what are they doing differently then you are. Don’t be shy to ask whatever might help you get through.

1. PRIORITIZE

Prioritize and rank your projects before planning your next step. And while at it – be detailed and try looking ahead. Organize your day in such a way that you know what needs to be done now and what can be set aside for a different time.

1. DISTRIBUTE YOUR TIME WISELY

Try giving 75% of your time to the optimal number of projects that have the highest priority. This way, you will make sure you give your best to assignments which deserve it most.

The other 25% will be finishing substantially later, but as that time is dedicated to less important tasks – relax. The consequences will be mild. Your total performance will be better than it previously was, and that will give you more justification for following this advice.

1. SIMPLIFY DOCUMENTATION

Distill down everything you can to one instead of multiple pages. Also, apply the same documentation across the board and keep it short. Make sure all of it safely left aside and available at all times. Be consistent when doing it.

1. LEARN TO SAY NO

Did you know that sometimes we can say no without really saying no?

No?

Well, we can.

Do your best to show your senior manager the entire span of your duties and responsibilities and how you handle it all. Let them come to the conclusion on their own – that you may not have the time to take on a new project right now.

However, the best way to avoid a heart or panic attack is to detach yourself from your work commitments every time you leave the office for the day. This way, you’ll come in fresh the next morning and ready for new challenges.

What is a group of related projects designed to accomplish a common goal over an extended period of time?

Which of the following are characteristics of a project?

Which of the following is typically the responsibility of a project manager?

Which of the following is one of the primary functions of project management?