Before the project starts, we have a personal conversation with each team member. This is a great way to get to know each other personally and professionally. Being physically present on-site works well: this is the best way to combine informal and professional conversations. No need to be there every day, but at least once a week. Having a design/engineering background myself works as well to understand the problems and difficulties, and to speak the same language.

First things first, you need to get the project ongoing. Start with an overall project plan to provide clarity to the team and organization, and to manage expectations. Involve all stakeholders and keep them updated during the project. Weekly project meetings work well to keep everyone aligned, to discuss issues and to make sure the team can progress for the week ahead. Switch continuously between short term deliverables and long term goals so you can steer the project in another direction when needed.

Managing innovation is managing uncertainty: make sure you’re managing the risks and have a backup plan.

First of all make sure that there’s a shared understanding between everyone in the team and other stakeholders about the goal and scope of the project. Managing innovation is managing uncertainty: make sure you’re managing the risks and have a backup plan. Start to prototype early: the best way to prove your idea and to find things that don’t work. The quickest way to learn and improve. And finally: stay positive throughout. 

Interested in becoming a Project Manager or working at Beacon like Jurre?