Big project too BIG? Four ways to ensure success

Here’s your chance!  Bossman finally put you in charge of a big project which could lead to a possible promotion and, deep breath, a RAISE!  You have to bring your A game and prove that you can lead and succeed.

Only thing is, you aren’t sure you can.  It’s an important project that is complicated and has to be done within a tight timeframe.  There are tons of moving parts and people to manage.  A whole lot of eyes will be on you.  It’s overwhelming!  You have to make it work, but how?

ONE: Take a deep breath and have a conversation with yourself.  If you remain in a state of panic, you will instill fear in your team and doom the project to failure.  Look in the mirror and remind yourself, several times if you have to, that your boss chose you to run this project.  He would not put his own career on the line for someone who could not make this a success.  He believes in you, so believe in yourself.  Bring yourself back to the mirror whenever you feel fear in order to keep  your mindset moving forward in a positive way.

TWO: Break down the project into smaller pieces. 

• List what will make the project a success.  Make sure your boss agrees with what would make this a success in his eyes.
• Create a spreadsheet that breaks down the project into smaller projects and list action steps under each.  Put a timeframe next to each action step.
• Put together your team based on what is needed.  No dead weight.  Make sure your team members are focused on success and have a track record of sticking to a schedule and getting things done, no excuses.
• Assign team members to be captains heading each task.

THREE:  Communicate regularly to keep track of progress, address any issues and keep your team motivated.  There should be scheduled team meetings with every project captain reporting on progress.  Establish how you want each team captain to communicate with you individually, whether by phone, email, text, in person, etc.  The spreadsheet, with action steps, assignments and dues dates, should be accessible to the entire team as well as your boss, online and kept up to date by team captains.  Check in regularly with your boss to make sure he thinks you are on track, address issues and to make any suggested changes.  Your goal is to have no surprises for you or your boss.

FOUR:  When your task is completed (successfully!) celebrate!  Let people know what you and your team have achieved and let your team know how much you appreciate them.

On to the next project, Superstar!