I came across this little bit of sarcastic information on project management steps in my daily web reading. I can't tell you who the author is because it's been copied everywhere without credit... but it's not me.

I do however adhere to these 6 steps when the project is mismanaged and miscommunicated - which I realize is often.

So here are the 6 'real' phases of a project:
1. Enthusiasm
2. Disillusionment
3. Panic
4. Search for the Guilty
5. Punishment of the Innocent
6. Praise and Honors for the Non-Participants

Former City of New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani gave us a brilliant and memorable quote at the Republican Convention a few days ago. (I'm not showing my colors - I've watched most of both Conventions).

This quote sums up everything I believe in about two grand concepts I love: change and strategy. I take it out of context and I do not apply it to American politics, but rather to my experience in the corporate world and in human relationships.

"Change is not a destination just like hope is not a strategy".

Bullseye.

‘Is the project finished?’
‘Almost’

This back and forth happens all too often in corporations today with horrendous results. 80 % of projects today never get completed adequately because we have too many ‘almosts’.

From FGT, a boutique expert project management firm, comes a list of 8 Critical Success Factors (CSFs) for Project Management. These 8 answer the age-old question ‘Is the project finished?’ If you are able to say yes (objectively) to these 8, then pat yourself on the back, you’ve delivered your project. These 8 also kill the all-too-often-mentioned answer ‘I’m almost finished the project’ - which still give me shivers.

I’ve used these 8 CSF everywhere, they’re simple and they work.

Has your project been delivered:
-    on time
-    on budget
-    with the required specifications
-    to the satisfaction of the team
-    to the satisfaction of the leadership
-    to the satisfaction of the client
-    with an initial project justification
-    with an ending project evaluation

Now go and deliver.

Disclaimer: FGT is my dad’s project management company and can be found at www.fgt.com.