How to Manage Big Projects

It can be difficult to maintain consistency during the pursuit of a large project consisting of a variety of moving parts and managed by a variety of team members. There are a handful of things you can do to maintain consistency and here's how!

1. Create a Big Picture, then Break it Down

Compile the major outcomes that you hope to pursue. Specify the main goal you would like to achieve upon completion of the project. Once the primary goal is set, here is where you can start to break the project down.

Think of the little things that need to be done, and make a comprehensive list. These lists can be divided by urgency, length of task, or even simply by the types of tasks.

2. Establish a Timeline for the Project

One of the most vital steps of maintaining large projects is to establish both soft and hard deadlines. These deadlines will urge team members to complete their tasks within a timely manner.

3. Keep Team Members Up to Date

Not having regular check-ins and updates with team members to review the progress of the project can be one of the most debilitating things to a project. This can result in miscommunication, misunderstandings, and disorganization which you want to prevent.

4. Delegate Roles and Responsibilities

Sometimes we just want to do everything ourselves, but delegation is the key to allow for an easier completion of the project, we suggest that team members be assigned specific tasks - particularly those that they are skilled at - to maintain efficiency in the pursual and completion of a larger project.

5. Establish Goals and Targets

Finally, establishing clear goals and targets that are expected to be met by team members can be one of the more motivating strategies to keep the team focused and dedicated to the project until the very end.

There is no doubt that project management - and management of larger projects - can be difficult, particularly when done in a team. But, following some of these tips, you may be able to streamline the process a little. There are also project management tools out there that you can use to keep you and your team organized.

Happy project managing!

How do you manage big projects? Share it with us by posting in the comments below! :)