Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager (Updated and Revised Edition)

Quick to read, great insights on project management.100% recommended.

I started leading projects and programs at my corporate job because I loved turning my ideas into reality. I had no project/program experience and learned from trial and error. I found this book and it helped me be more efficient, reinforce the things I was already doing, and learn new things to make me better. It was easy to read and provides a simple and direct structure for how you can successfully lead projects, programs, and the people who bring them to life.

In this interesting take on what the essence of project management really is, the authors draw on a variety of experiences in which people who are individual contributors on a project actually use one or more project management competency. Considering any project or program of decent size normally involves the efforts of dozen to hundreds of people, there is a vast audience for this book. While this work does show how project management can inform and even make the working lives of non-project managers better, it is careful to caveat its advice by showing areas where more advanced study or experience is needed to fully execute a function to the level expected of an official project manager. As a credentialed program manager (PMP), I really did not get a lot out of this book personally, but I did like its bare-boned and practical nature. I think that had I read this book before obtaining my credential it would have been very worthwhile. In my case, this book was a monthly pick by our local Project Management Institute book club to which I'm a part. I highly recommend this book for professionals of all types since even if they are in a technical field, to progress they will have to use and / or master many of the skills in this book someday.

This is a great book to read for people who are starting to learn about project management for the first time. The authors of the book explain project management principles in a way that does not overwhelm individuals. Overall takeaways from the book: “Project management is as much about effectively leading people as it is about skillfully managing a process.” “Without project management discipline, we lose direction.” “Your goal is to understand the unique perspectives and desired results of each key stakeholder before you begin the project.” “Successful project leaders practice accountability because it reinforces informal authority and ensures project success.”

This was an amazing book for non project managers. It laid out an easy to follow plan to managing a project.

All you need to know for any conversation up or down your project talent stream. No wonder this title is included under the Franklin Covey umbrella of learning tools. This trio of writers have collaborated to write a no nonsense (which is to say a sensible) guidebook for every phase of project management. This title needs to be included in your toolbox and the toolbox of those you collaborate with - be of a similar mind - go get things done!

Current review: This book is helpful for the newbie, and worth a purchase. It won't give you everything, but it will really help you a lot. When I bought it I was stuck in the middle of a failing project, and I didn't find this book helpful. However, with 20/20 hindsight, I realize that the project failure was my fault because I didn't do enough project initiation, project discovery and project planning at the beginning. There were also some problems with disorganized resources on my team, but that's neither here nor there. I have been using the tools and techniques in this book to success to initiate my projects and also interview stakeholders on project closeouts, as well as other tools. I recommend this book to the unofficial project managers out there who want to grow in their roles. Previous review: Title: Surprisingly unhelpful Stars: 2/5 With the accolades this book has printed on it, you'd think it was the best thing since sliced bread. I think I know more about project management after being in the trenches for a few months (I'm a career employee, but only recently switching more into project management), being mentored by a few PMPs in my organization and reviewing some PMI-inspired templates. I haven't finished this book and I'll go back and update if I do, but whenever I jump into a chapter to help me with whatever area I'm having trouble with, I don't find it helpful. We'll see.

It's a practical and easy guide for non-professional project managers. I recommend reading it when you need it; it's really helpful.