Those old wives knew what they were talking about. Proverbs distil the wisdom of ages and are useful as guidelines today.
Here are a few of our favourite proverbs for effective presentations and successful project management.
Good and quickly seldom meet.
Always plan your presentation well in advance so that you have time to decide what to say, to alter the content and plan the agenda. Preparation is the key.
He has enough who is content.
Try not to overfill your slides with either bullet points, different/clashing colours or too many actions.
Laughter is the best medicine.
Break the ice with some humour but only if you are comfortable doing so. Laughter only energises presentation when it is not forced
A picture paints a thousand words
An example is the best sermon
An example of a point you are trying you make has a better impact because it engages more than one sense e.g. hearing and seeing.
A good beginning makes a good end.
Make sure that you set the project up properly, know what you want to achieve and have a clear plan.
Practise what you preach
Make sure that as the project manager you behave as you want your team members to behave. If you show commitment, support the team and work hard, then others are more likely to emulate you.
Every path has its puddle
Every project has unplanned and unforeseen problems, expect them, don’t let them get you down and deal with them.
A stitch in time saves nine.
Resolve an issue as soon as you can, before it turns into a major problem.
Fine words butter no parsnips
You can have meetings, send out project reports and conform to all the best project management systems but in the end the most important thing is to perform the tasks that get the project done.
The mouse that has but one hole is soon taken
Make sure that you have identified likely risks and have plan Bs.
Better lose the saddle than the horse
If it becomes apparent that your project is going down the wrong path do not be afraid to cut your losses and reset it. It serves no purpose to deliver something no-one wants.
The proof of the pudding is in the eating
Remember the project management is not what remains at the end of the project. For the project to be successful, what you deliver must ‘work’ after you have moved onto your next assignment.
Remember these old-fashioned life rules during your next project and you’ll increase the likelihood of an enjoyable experience and a successful outcome. Good luck.
At A Cappella Training, our courses focus on giving you and your staff the knowledge, skills and confidence to get more out of your business software. Training is known to increase motivation and efficiency. We can show you what your return on investment could be. Whether it is IT, software, presenting or project management that is giving you a hard time, we can help. Why not find out more at www.actrain.co.uk or email us at liz@actrain.co.uk with your favourite old wives' tale . There is a prize for the first five entries!
A Cappella Training Limited works in association with Philippa Hewison at Process and Project Solutions.
email: philippa@pandps.co.uk
