Tom Mochal of Tech Republic writes, “Given the high rate of project failures, you might think that companies would be happy to just have their project finish with some degree of success. That’s not the case. Despite the odds, organizations expect projects to be completed faster, cheaper, and better.” There is enormous pressure on project managers to perform, and to perform on budget and on time. Forget the challenging circumstances; forget the diminished resources; forget the personalities you have to bring together to make it all work.

So, how can you make it work in situations like these? Let’s take a look at the three pillars on which successful projects are built.

Every project is different and has its own set of challenges and desired outcomes. Regardless of the resources at your disposal, the team you are leading, or the goals you are trying to achieve, the project leader has to:

• Communicate effectively. Have you ever left a meeting only to realize that you have absolutely no idea what you’re supposed to be doing? Or knowing what you have to do but not seeing any connection with the bigger picture? This is a result of poor or unclear communication, and it is a big cause of failed or failing projects. Team members at every level have to be on the same page; they have to understand the interrelationship between the goals and objectives, as well as their individual roles.
• Establish priorities. Tied with effective communication is priorities; what needs to be done, by whom, and by when? Milestones need to be established, particularly in businesses that are not large enough or do not have the resources to complete a project quickly. What needs to be first? Then what can happen?
• Manage people. This is the crux. Managing people is the most important component of any project, and the most challenging. You can’t just order them and expect team members to perform as automatons. Instead, you are actually working through them to accomplish goals. You have to understand how they work and how to motivate to get the best from everyone. This is where projects can fall apart or keep their momentum, where they can be very frustrating or incredibly rewarding.

As the saying goes, “If there is a 50% chance of something going wrong, then 9 times out of 10, it will.” Project management is a minefield, to be sure, but clearly plotting your route and making sure everyone is on it as well, is an effective way to reign in problems and keep them from overwhelming your project.