When there’s a lot going on, we often push the fundamentals aside and forget the basic skills that have been part of our success. Project management has been a central part of my own success from the beginning of my career. So, when I’m faced with new challenges or when I’m wondering why a project isn’t going as well as I’d like, I remember this acronym: IPEMC. 

As the first quarter ends, you’re probably getting ready to begin some new work projects or looking at the home projects that are going to be part of your own spring-cleaning madness. So this is a great time to get back to the basics with IPEMC. 

I is for initiate.

At any point in time, people and organizations have more projects than they have resources to do them. During initiation, we have to prioritize the projects we will pursue, who will sponsor the projects, and who will staff them.  

P is for plan.

Once you decide to pursue a project, the project manager and the project team develop the plans to create the final deliverables. This is your road map you’re going to be living with until the project is done. Give it the care and feeding it deserves. 

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