My mother called me in May and announced that she would like to sell her home in Goulburn and move back to Sydney.  I could hardly contain my excitement after years of unsuccessfully trying to nudge her out of Goulburnand back closer to me in Sydney.  I have never been a fan of the country life.

So we started with a bit of a scatter-gun approach – so many things to do – prepare a home for sale, find an alternative, what to do with 50+ years of accumulated stuff of four daughters – I am pleased to say that my year 12 text books are now landfill.

I quickly realised a bunch of enthusiastic people were making it impossible to keep track of  who was doing what.  So, I did what comes naturally and created a plan.  Yep, my mothers move back to Sydney is now known as Project Wendy.  And what a difference, having a plan has made - ensuring that everyone works efficiently and to our strengths.

It’s a classic case of working with stakeholders who are not dedicated to the project – my sisters all have ‘day jobs’ and have helped where they can by referring to the plan and picking up a task they are able to deliver – and there have been surprises – never in my wildest dreams would I have thought my baby sister would get so much pleasure out of a pressure hose! 

So what are the key lessons for any Project Manager we can apply to all projects? 

1. Start with a plan and scope
2. Engage your stakeholders and ensure they are able to deliver
3. Communicate clearly and consistently – so we all know what everyone is doing

I like the end of the Financial Year, it's not as nearly emotional as the end of the calendar year where I wonder what I should be doing differently.  

Financial Year resolutions are easy by comparison.  This year I am definitely going to get a grip on only going to Officeworks with a list, no more rambling up and down the isles of stationery products and thinking that an 8 pack of post-it notes will save me a trip for next time.  I confess, I find great comfort in stationery on a stressful day!

Other good things to look forward to this Financial Year are - keeping the tax stuff in one folder, and sorting out my credit card so its a pin and not a signature - I reckon this is a real time saver.  
But most importantly its to continue to work with great people, deliver great work and enjoy myself.
 
Have you worked out your New Financial Year resolutions?

Love your work

M-J