For many, Microsoft Project 2016 is the go-to tool of choice for managing projects, and for very good reasons. It has a robust set of features and functionalities that cover all aspects of the project management lifecycle. Resource planning, scheduling, task assignments, critical path reporting, baselines, slick status reports, to name a few. You know, all the things that are going to make life easier for those of us responsible for managing projects. After all, isn’t Microsoft Project designed to simplify our lives as project managers?
So, why do so many first-time users struggle to manage their projects in a tool which is designed to make managing projects easier?
Isn’t it ironic that a tool intended to bring visibility and clarity to project data is very often viewed as complicated, cumbersome, and a real pain in the Alanis?
The reality is that there is a learning curve for first-time users working with Microsoft Project. It is a sophisticated product and, as with any product that delivers this much functionality, it takes some hands-on time and experience to get up to speed. There are ways to minimize frustration and get immediate value from the tool even while you are coming up to speed on the more advanced feature sets and project scheduling capabilities.
One of the fundamental keys to your success will be a clear understanding of what value you expect to get by using Microsoft Project. Your expectations of the product and how it will benefit your project management capabilities will be your biggest ally while navigating your first steps up the learning curve.
Here are three tips you should use when starting with Microsoft Project:
If at some point, as you begin to take advantage of the more advanced capabilities of Microsoft Project, you find yourself with your forehead on your desk, fists clenched, gnashing your teeth. Don’t sweat it. Take a step back and revisit the immediate value you expect from your project schedule and refocus before moving on.
What other tips would you share for first time Microsoft Project Users? Please comment below!
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