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Learning the ABCs (of Project Management)To lead a project effectively, one has to establish and maintain the flexibility to take appropriate actions when needed. Overconstrained situations should be avoided. To get on top of matters and stay there, a manager needs to anticipate what it will take to successfully complete the job. Physical and financial resources, personnel, and management structure are all important considerations. Carving out the necessary turf up front can make a world of difference to the project's outcome. After the "what," "where," and "when" of a project are nailed down, the next question is "how" to do the job. When I first interviewed for the job of Science Payload Manager on the Advanced Composition (ACE) Explorer mission, Dr. Edward Stone (ACE Principal Investigator) asked, "Al, give me an idea of your management style." It was a question I had not considered before. I thought about it for a few seconds and then answered, "Well, the first descriptive term that comes to mind is the word "tranquility". That seemed to startle him. So I added, "I guess what I mean is, that if the situation is tranquil and the project is running smoothly, then I've anticipated all the problems and taken necessary actions to head them off." He then asked: "Have you ever reached this state?" "No," I admitted, "but I strive for it." That seemed to satisfy him because I got the job.
Document ID
20030012844
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Frandsen, Allan
(Frandsen (Allan) United States)
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2003
Publication Information
Publication: ASK Magazine
Volume: 10
Subject Category
Administration And Management
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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