What’s the best project you’ve ever been part of? And the worst? Are we all, in some way, “project managers”? These were some of the questions we explored during our autumn team day, diving into the quirks and insights of project management. 

At our core, continuous learning is vital to us – as individuals and as a team. That’s why we dedicated our Netprofile Day this autumn to a topic that inevitably touches us all: project management. Every one of us operates daily as a project manager, a team member, or the leader of our own tasks. Developing our project management practices is not just useful but also invaluable. 

For us, mastering project management is a way to deliver value to our clients every single day. It’s not simply about knowing tools or perfecting methods. Excellent project management is the sum of many parts. 

To help us step out of our consultant shoes for a moment, we invited the phenomenal Jani Turku to facilitate our development day. Eyes lit up as Jani laid out the Lego bricks, introduced our first task, and let our team of consultants dive into a sea of coloured blocks. 

Consultants in a Lego Test 

Lego Serious Play is more than just a creative method – it’s an incredibly effective way to tackle complex topics like team dynamics and key project management challenges. The method enables us to explore abstract concepts, such as workflows and communication practices, through tangible models built collaboratively by the team – all while having some fun along the way. 

Jani’s Lego marathon brought valuable insights into refining our practices, especially around communication and delegation of responsibilities. What’s more, the hands-on approach created a lasting impression that’s hard to achieve otherwise. 

Jani also pushed us just the right amount, helping us identify areas for improvement and refine our best ideas into concrete action plans. Having an external facilitator brought a fresh, unbiased perspective that we all benefited from. Best of all, it allowed us to immerse ourselves in the workshop fully.

Seamlessly Managed Projects Mean Reliable, High-Quality Services 

So, what did we take away from the experience? While every project has its unique features, there are some universal truths. The key is adapting project management principles to suit your team’s and your client’s needs. I could share a dozen tips, but I’ll stick to the most impactful ones. 

• The cornerstone of successful project management is defining clear goals. Always keep in mind the “why” behind the project. The project plan should clearly outline the client’s objectives and the means to achieve them – including key milestones and critical dependencies. A solid plan is also realistic in terms of timelines: building in a little buffer time here and there can go a long way in managing the inevitable surprises.
• Proactive communication is another essential. Aim to answer questions before they’re even asked. Don’t make assumptions – communicate as clearly as possible and follow up with clarifying questions. When everyone is on the same page, the chances of success skyrocket.
• Regular monitoring is also a cornerstone of effective project management. Document decisions, take notes, and record agreed actions. Keep a close eye on project parameters, such as time and budget, to ensure the project stays on track and meets client expectations.
• But project management isn’t just about discipline and tracking. It’s also about exceeding expectations and creating added value. This could mean creative problem-solving or being flexible in responding to changes. A good instinct for the client’s needs helps ensure satisfaction and success.
• Finally, don’t forget to celebrate! Even the smallest wins deserve recognition – it keeps the team motivated and the atmosphere positive, driving everyone forward. As the project wraps up, make sure to tie up loose ends, ensuring every detail is accounted for so the project concludes smoothly. 

When project management is done right, your team remains in good spirits long after the project is complete – and ready to tackle the next challenge.   

Give us a call if your communication and marketing projects could benefit from determined and reliable project management!