The demands placed on today's project managers are growing exponentially. To remain on the cutting edge, or even maintain your competitiveness, you've got to learn new concepts and master both new and traditional management techniques.
Why you ask? Today's professional service firm has moved into the mainstream of business. The market forces that apply to Apple and Wal-Mart now apply to you.
The seemingly protected world in which professional architecture, engineering, and environmental services once worked is gone, and professional ethics and technical competence will not protect you from cutthroat competition.
It's time to move on and raise your personal bar to a new height. Use this checklist to start with the little things: these 21 habits of highly effective PMs
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Best time to call a contractor………... |
7 a.m. |
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Best time to call a client…………….. |
Tuesday, |
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Best time to run a meeting………….. |
11 a.m. |
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Best day to hold meetings…………... |
Tuesday |
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Best time to do manpower planning... |
Monday, 8 a.m. |
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Best day to mail invoices…………… |
23rd of the month (to get paid by the 1st) |
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Best time to open mail……………… |
4:30 p.m. |
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Best time to eat with clients………… |
At breakfast |
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Best meeting format………………… |
Standup meetings |
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Best way to control meetings……….. |
Take meeting minutes yourself |
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Best position among six firms competing in a presentation………… |
Last |
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Best form of contract……………….. |
Lump-sum, with a well defined scope |
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Best employee………………………. |
One who initiates action |
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Best length of workday……………... |
9 hours maximum |
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Best day to avoid interruptions……... |
Saturday |
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Best time to get things done………… |
Before office hours |
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Best way to avoid conflict………….. |
Straight communication |
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Best title on a business card………… |
None at all |
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Best time to fire someone…………… |
Monday, 9 a.m. |
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Best project manager………………... |
One who instructs team daily |
For additional project managment tips, download PSMJ’s Guide to Empowering Project Management, a complimentary ebook designed to synthesize some of our most insightful and action-oriented advice for project managers.
Also check out these project management related blog posts:
What Are The Traits Of The Best Project Managers?
10 Things Every Project Manager Must Know
Are You a Project Manager or Project Admin?
Impact Snapshot: Measuring Project Manager Performance