How to solve large tasks
A large task or project is a set of measures with clearly defined deadlines, the goal of which is to achieve planned results.
In our view, the main task of a leader is to organize project work so that tasks are performed with a high level of predictability of the result. That is, we do not use subjective criteria of “good - bad”, but assess whether we received the expected result. If not, then using the PDCA** cycle when planning SMART tasks,** we adjust future tasks.
A project or large volume of work provides for:
- defining and formulating project requirements: precise agreement of expectations from command;
- setting the clearest and most understandable goals, see SMART (Specific point);
- establishing and implementing communication between project participants - there must be a designated space for communication among involved persons: create a shared chat in secure messengers, ask communications specialists to set up an up-to-date neighbor scheme;
- agreeing project constraints: budget, resources, risks, deadlines, quality;
- communicating with the team, taking into account their needs/wishes/expectations and correcting current plans according to the material received, feedback with personnel and leadership.
Project implementation includes several stages: initiation, SMART method, execution and control, project completion.
Initiation (that is, project start) is a certain familiarization with the project. Its essence and goals are determined, and the appropriate team is formed. For this, the project is divided from the very beginning into parts and a set of small tasks.
The SMART method provides for forming a “work schedule” in which deadlines are defined for each task. A list of necessary resources is also worked through. At the same time, planning includes periodic correction, because in the process of work new nuances and subtasks constantly appear, and the project’s “hidden obstacles” become visible.
Execution and control is the stage to which you need to return after each intermediate result. (see The PDCA cycle). In an ideal management system, a project looks like this: defined the task, performed it, checked it, made the necessary corrections to the plan, defined the next task, and so on. At the execution stage, certain tools are usually used that facilitate the processes: delegation, time management, the Eisenhower matrix, crossing out tasks.
At the project completion stage, a control check of the completed work is carried out, and the source data, instructions, and regulations used are necessarily preserved. This is needed so that even a new team member can figure out what was done before them and how.