Project Management That Works: Real-World Advice on Communicating, Problem Solving, and Everything Else You Need to Know to Get the Job Done

To his credit, Rick Morris with the assistance of Brette McWhorter Sember does not put his readership to sleep with project management theories that have no bearing on the practice of project managers. Instead, Morris peppers his text with many practical tips for the successful management of projects. Although it may be difficult to accept it, success in project management is somewhat elusive when one considers the propensity for project failures. Generally, accepted failure rates vary between 59 percent and 94 percent. Miscommunication plays a key role in this abysmal performance when one keeps in mind that communication represents over 90 percent of a project manager's job. Communication covers areas such as documentation, meetings, one-to-one conversations, or phone calls. As a side note, Morris could add a CD-ROM to a second edition of his text with what he considers the best templates in the area of project management. Sometimes, Morris refers his readers to the Web to find templates on their own. In conclusion, Morris shares with his audience actionable tips which will hopefully boost the project success rates.

In a sea of overcrowded books filled with project management THEORY, 'Project Management That Works' is a standout read that focuses instead on real-world application and examples. As Morris writes: "There is a significant gap between the principles of project management and the application of project management in many corporate environments. I often compare it to taking a driving test. We were all taught that your hands should be kept at 10 and 2 on the steering wheel, to signal a certain distance from a turn, and how to properly merge. Yet, almost all of us will break many of those rules when we get behind the wheel of a car. Trained project managers learn the principles and reasons for running a successful project. However, when it comes to running the project, we tend to selectively decide what we will and will not do." With that in mind, Morris does not disappoint. Chapters on communicating better, negotiating with sponsors, earning trust, turning around late projects, problems with status meetings, protecting your team, how to avoid being sabotaged, how to put risk in a project plan, how to change your corporate culture, and much more -- show you how to cut through the theoretical fluff and gets down to business with key insights into what's worth doing, what isn't, and how to execute the former. Over and over again, Morris offers historical examples, analyzes what went wrong, and explains how it might have been handled more effectively. Well written and useful to PMs all along the spectrum (junior to senior), I simply cannot recommend it enough. Exceptionally good reading! 220pp -Jason S, PMP

A widening gap has emerged between project management theory and applications, the authors maintain in PROJECT MANAGEMENT THAT WORKS. This gap isn't in holding meetings but in negotiating the upper levels of power in corporations, and negotiating with project sponsors. This book helps handle deadlines, difficult projects, and communications at all levels, offering project managers tips on how to get data and use it to support and streamline project objectives. A top pick for any business collection strong in project management applications.

True to its title, this book delivers practical real-world advice. It is definitely not your typical PM textbook, filled with theories that have no reflection on the day-to-day life of a project manager. The author was on point when he addressed the soft and hard skills required to succeed as a project manager. Difficult concepts are made simple to understand. Supported by real-life examples, the suggestions are easy to apply. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book from cover to cover. It was refreshing to find such a useful guide in a compact and easy-to-read book.