{"id":5335,"date":"2018-08-15T09:47:31","date_gmt":"2018-08-15T06:47:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/109.199.120.83\/~blog4507\/?p=5335"},"modified":"2024-06-15T07:41:05","modified_gmt":"2024-06-15T07:41:05","slug":"the-pms-guide-to-managing-multiple-projects-with-ease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/toggl.com\/blog\/the-pms-guide-to-managing-multiple-projects-with-ease","title":{"rendered":"The PMs Guide to Managing Multiple Projects With Ease"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you\u2019re managing an unusually complex project, it can feel as if entire days are spent planning the implementation, predicting and managing risks, and communicating with team members. If multiple projects fall on your plate simultaneously, everything is amplified, and you\u2019ll likely regret that the ability to clone yourself doesn\u2019t yet exist. <\/span><\/p>\n

Take a deep breath. Other project managers have done it, and you can do it too. Here are some strategies for managing multiple projects without losing your focus- or your mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Managing<\/p>\n

1. Define Each Project\u2019s Needs Before It Begins<\/span><\/h2>\n

One of a project manager\u2019s most critical responsibilities is defining the scope of the project and assembling all necessary resources before work begins. This step should be obvious, but when faced with a vast workload it can be too tempting to dive right in and start clearing your plate. Doing so can create future problems that only add to your workload, so <\/span>plan everything before launching<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The pre-launch stage is also the time when you establish the right expectations with each client or stakeholder. Ask them a few simple questions to confirm that everyone is on the same page and that their business goals are clear. These goals dictate project priorities, timeline flexibility, and overall expectations.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Delegate<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u2018Delegating\u2019 is a project management buzzword for a reason. You will never have the time or ability to do all the work necessary for each project, so don\u2019t be afraid to leverage your teams. You chose each member for their skills and expertise in their respective areas, so point them in the right direction and let them work. You will still need to supervise and guide them, but you will no longer feel pressured to do too much by yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n

Delegating is a win-win strategy when you have several projects on the go. You empower your teams by providing them with opportunities to <\/span>take ownership<\/span><\/a> and deliver stellar work, and you have more time to devise strategies, address changes in direction or priority, and in general keep all the projects on track. Remember- even Superman had help!<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

3. Use a Project Planning Software to Monitor Progress<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re managing multiple projects, planning software facilitates the tracking of time, tasks, and overall progress. Toggl Plan<\/a><\/span>\u00a0is an excellent tool because it\u2019s highly visual, which makes multi-project management more intuitive and efficient. Its custom color feature lets you color-code projects for easy overview and evaluation. Other benefits include:<\/span><\/p>\n