Davis - 97 things every project manager should know: Collective wisdom from the experts

Copyright 2009 Barbee Davis

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IN THEORY, CREATING A NEW PRODUCT or introducing a new process is simple. In reality, those of us who actually do it for a living know that it is becoming increasingly chaotic.

97 Things Every Project Manager Should Know is a collection of wisdom from project managers, software developers, and a wide range of other occupation holders from all around the world who are successful in managing their teams to success. They have shared what they think are important tips for you to know, whether you are involved in trying to create the product or manage the processes of your organization's projects.

Traditional books teach theory. In this one, people who are actively working in the field day to day share the best secrets that they have learned or developed after years on the job. You can find practical suggestions to improve both the final product and your personal experiences by taming the chaos and guiding the project to a successful completion.

As I talk to active practitioners, I find that there is a growing trend to involve software developers, research chemists, construction foremen, and all manner of other industry-specific technical experts in projects in a more vocal and active way. Users, and other stakeholders, must also be included in this evermore-democratic vocation. While this cooperation is great, it multiplies the complexity of trying to get the work finished.

Interestingly, when editing this book I have found that regardless of industry, project role, or worldwide location, those of us who have project responsibilities face the same challenges. And the joy has been that these tip authors from around the world have been willing to share their ideas to help us master those challenges. Since they represent not only project managers, but the voices of those new technical stakeholders in the project, this is your chance to hear their ideas and concerns before facing similar participants in your workplace.

Based on my firm belief that shared knowledge is power, this book was created by combining the work of authors from 29 United States locations and 12 other countries around the world. The authors have donated their thoughts and advice to help others in the field grow and prosper through more skillful project guidance. It is a testament to the intensity of today's belief in the value of a collaborative environment that, despite wrestling with their own daily issues, these authors were still willing to take the time to help us all benefit from their wise, field-tested solutions.