Back to the Basics

This month I reflected back on 2024 to look for opportunities to improve in 2025.  Most project managers have the right tools and experience at their disposal.  The trick is to make sure we don’t stray away from what we know due to distractions or the latest hot project.  For 2025, I recommend we go Back to the Basics.

What does Back to the Basics entail?  Focus on these 3 areas.

1. Teamwork
2. Communication
3. Show up

Teamwork

We need to resist working in silos and focus on the big picture.  Use teamwork to execute the projects that will meet the company’s objectives.  Strengthen your relationships with each team member.  Be flexible and creative to ensure consistent collaboration.  More importantly, support each other so the team improves over time.

Communication

Communication is #1 in my book.  Concise and timely exchanges are essential.  We cannot allow emails to go unanswered for several days.  Some companies now depend on Zoom meetings to communicate.  This requires scheduling calls and waiting days to have a discussion with someone.  The companies that will succeed in 2025 will have people who will pick up the phone or walk to their colleague’s desk to get the info they need to make decisions.  I believe companies who work in the office or have hybrid arrangements will have the upper hand.  Few companies have remote teams with the discipline to operate efficiently and at a fast tempo.

Show Up

I grew up playing different sports and basketball was one of my favorites.  The team’s success depended on each team member to show up to practice every day.  That’s step one.  We had to be physically and mentally present each day.  This involved listenening to the coach and putting in the hard work.  Showing up also included lifting weights, running sprints, climbing ropes, etc. during our athletic period.  If someone was slacking and didn’t “show up”, my teammates made sure that person got back on track because we had goals to advance to the playoffs. 

The same concept applies to business.  Attend your project meetings.  If you cannot attend, provide your updates beforehand or schedule time with your project manager to discuss your open action items.  If you say you will get something done by Friday, make sure it gets done by Friday. 

I encourage you to try these suggestions. Feel free to share your professional goals for 2025.