Leading Projects

Learn how to lead projects successfully using the DIRECT project leadership framework—define, investigate, resolve, execute, change, and transition.

Introduction

• Project management simplified
• How to structure a project team
• Who really leads a project?
• The DIRECT project leadership framework
• Case study: A new distribution center

1. Define

• Define the vision
• Root cause analysis
• How to use the five whys
• How to use the fishbone diagram
• How to use brainstorming
• How to use affinity diagrams
• Document scope with a project charter

2. Investigate

• Investigate the options
• How to conduct a SWOT strategic analysis
• Engage contractors and consultants
• Request for proposal (RFP)
• Map process flows
• Financial analysis of projects

3. Resolve

• Resolve to a course of action
• Types of project managers
• Project management office (PMO)
• Team building, trust, and transparency
• Project communications
• Identify and escalate issues
• Create project plans
• Manage project plans
• Project metrics

4. Execute

• Execute the project plan
• Manage scope change
• Project kickoff
• Manage project risks
• Manage project slack
• Action items and issue resolution
• Project scorecards and status meetings

5. Change

• Change the processes
• User acceptance testing (UAT)
• Punch lists and project close out
• Go live or startup plan

6. Transition

• Transition the people
• Communication plan for transition
• Project lessons learned

Conclusion

• Apply DIRECT