Project Management: The Devil Is in the Details

“The devil is in the details.” I am sure we have all heard thisat some point in our lives. Basically, the phrase means there can be hiddensnags or hang-ups in the details; details are important. Whether you are asenior project manager at a large company or a new project manager at astart-up, you know that even the smallest detail matters.

One way to ensure your project is successful is to nail downthe details from the start. Beginning with a clear scope of work, understood byboth parties, is essential to a successful project. This helps to prevent scopecreep and unforeseen changes to timeline and scope. Take the time to analyzethe details and the scope to set up a stellar project plan from the start.Remember, failing to plan is planning to fail. (You’ve probably heard thatbefore, too.)

Another important detail is clearly defined roles andresponsibilities, both for your team members as well as for the client’s team.For example, you bring in the marketing guy to work on the product message andpromotion, great; but what does that actually involve? Assigning and agreeingupon these roles and responsibilities during the initiation phase can preventmiscommunications down the road. Additionally, role clarity enables the team toadhere to the project timeline.

To aid in ensuring no details are overlooked, it is also vitalto maintain open lines of communication with all stakeholders, as well asdocumentation that coincides with communication. Recording email correspondenceand relaying important information to the whole team via status reports is agreat way to keep everyone in the loop. Also, creating documents such as changelists will ensure that you have a record of important events and additions ordeletions from the scope.