Go project go (day 48)

I am not a project manager.  I have many projects and they are all plodding along but most likely not as efficiently as they could.   My colleague Kara has pointed me to Action Method, a startup that claims to help with project management with a proven way of working.   And now of course we're back to the old magic-incantation-that-will-make-everything-perfect dream.  But I'm attracted to it.  Perhaps  attracted enough that I'll try it.  I've tried Basecamp before with some limited success.  The difference with ActionMethod is that a) it looks nice and b) it has an iPhone app.  Good design is crucial in a project management application.  You don't want to be overwhelmed by an interface when the task at hand is already overwhelming.  Good colours,  not too cluttered, intuitive placement, good level of notification, consistent language, these are all characteristics to aim for.   So far I'm impressed with AM.   I've got about six projects on the go which could use some management help.  It's a lot and most of them are collaborations with people.  Which brings me to the next hurdle with project management software.  You have to convince others to use it.  Everyone has their way of dealing with project tasks and information.  Some make Google sites, Google docs, Google tasks, Google calendar, blogs and wikis.  Some just have an ingenious use of folders, emails, and post-its.   It's hard to convince people to switch.   The best you can hope for is some sort of integration where systems can blend so that people can slowly be lured into a self-contained application.  And really not wanting to switch is completely rational.  It's an investment in time to transcribe a project's assets and tasks.  It's an investment in time to learn a new way of doing things. Why would this work if everything else has been a disappointment is a rational question.   In the end it may come down to discipline and a consistent process.  But I have to say it doesn't hurt if the software looks good.

The panacea of project management is a lure.  The promise of software solutions is a lure.  I spend so much time online that managing my projects there makes a lot of sense. I already do that in my own little ad-hoc way.   But another important aspect for me is to actually step away from the computer and get a better overall perspective.  That may be a chart on the wall or a white board drawing.  The point is to be able to actually stand with the big view.  Stop looking at a tiny window and think bigger.  Because windows actually do change the way we think.  We unconsciously think smaller when we look at a 15" screen.  And this is another reason why AM seems to be worthwhile.  They sell physical products to go with their software.  I'm not advocating spending money on this but I like the fact that they are thinking outside of the digital realm.  Perhaps they should also weigh in about space design for project management.

A song for this post.