Project Management Tips from a NASA Associate Director: Jerry Madden’s 100 Rules

Project management is a challenging job. It requires juggling various tasks, managing teams and resources, handling budgets, communicating effectively, and ensuring that projects meet their goals on time. It’s a job that requires a lot of skills, experience, and knowledge. That’s where Jerry Madden comes in. As the Associate Director of the Flight Projects Directorate at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Madden has 100 tips that he has learned over the years. These tips are a valuable resource for any project manager looking to improve their skills and succeed in their job.

Here are some of the key tips under each section:

The Project Manager

The first section is on project managers themselves. Madden stresses that project managers must be leaders who can inspire and motivate their teams. They must have a clear vision and be able to communicate it to their teams. Other tips include:

– Be a good listener
– Be proactive
– Take calculated risks
– Seek out the best talent
– Foster a positive team culture

Initial Work

The initial phase of a project is critical. Madden stresses the importance of planning, setting realistic goals and timelines, and creating a work breakdown structure. Other tips include:

– Involve the whole team in planning
– Identify and manage risks
– Be clear on what success looks like
– Establish clear communication channels
– Define roles and responsibilities

Communications

Effective communication is critical to project success. Madden urges project managers to be clear, concise, and consistent in their communication. Other tips include:

– Listen actively and empathetically
– Use the appropriate communication channels
– Tailor your communication to your audience
– Document everything
– Manage conflict and resolve issues quickly

People

Projects are successful because of people. Madden emphasizes the importance of hiring the right people, managing their performance, and keeping them motivated. Other tips include:

– Invest in training and development
– Encourage creativity and innovation
– Provide feedback and recognition
– Foster a collaborative team environment
– Address performance issues quickly and fairly

Reviews and Reports

Reviews and reports are necessary for tracking progress and identifying issues. Madden stresses the importance of regular status meetings, progress reports, and change management procedures. Other tips include:

– Establish clear review criteria
– Tailor reviews to the project phase
– Prepare for reviews in advance
– Use data and metrics to evaluate progress
– Seek expert opinions and advice

Contractors and Contracting

Most projects involve working with contractors. Madden stresses the importance of managing contracts effectively, ensuring that contractors meet their obligations, and resolving issues quickly. Other tips include:

– Develop clear contracts that define expectations
– Monitor contractor performance regularly
– Address issues with contracts promptly
– Establish clear communication channels with contractors
– Document everything related to contracts

Engineers and Scientists

Engineers and scientists play a critical role in projects. Madden stresses the importance of hiring the right talent, managing their performance, and working collaboratively with them. Other tips include:

– Understand the technical aspects of the project
– Encourage technical innovation and creativity
– Keep abreast of latest technology and best practices
– Provide opportunities for professional development
– Address performance issues promptly and fairly

Hardware

Hardware is a critical aspect of many projects. Madden stresses the importance of managing hardware effectively, ensuring that it meets specifications, and mitigating risks associated with its use. Other tips include:

– Establish clear hardware requirements
– Use reliable vendors
– Test hardware thoroughly
– Monitor hardware performance and maintenance
– Address hardware issues promptly

Computers and Software

Computers and software are essential tools for project management. Madden stresses the importance of using the right tools, managing software development, and ensuring that software meets specifications. Other tips include:

– Invest in the right tools and resources
– Manage software development carefully
– Use best-practice software engineering techniques
– Test software thoroughly
– Address software issues promptly

Senior Management, Program Offices, and Above

Projects are often part of larger initiatives. Madden stresses the importance of working collaboratively with senior management and program offices. Other tips include:

– Establish clear communication channels with senior management
– Keep senior management informed of progress and issues
– Work collaboratively with other programs
– Seek out opportunities for cross-program learning
– Leverage expertise across programs

Program Planning, Budgeting, and Estimating

Effective planning, budgeting, and estimating are critical to project success. Madden stresses the importance of using data-driven approaches to these tasks. Other tips include:

– Establish realistic budgets and timelines
– Monitor budgets and expenses regularly
– Use tools and resources to aid estimation
– Update plans and budgets as needed
– Address budget and estimation issues promptly

The Customer

Projects are ultimately driven by the needs of customers. Madden stresses the importance of understanding customer needs and expectations, managing customer relationships, and exceeding customer expectations. Other tips include:

– Establish clear customer expectations
– Monitor customer satisfaction regularly
– Address customer issues promptly and courteously
– Develop strong and positive customer relationships
– Exceed customer expectations whenever possible

NASA Management Instructions

NASA has its own management instructions that must be followed. Madden stresses the importance of understanding and following these instructions. Other tips include:

– Engage with other project managers at NASA
– Follow best practices for NASA projects
– Seek out guidance and advice as needed
– Collaborate with other NASA programs
– Promote NASA’s mission and values

Decision Making

Effective decision making is critical to project success. Madden stresses the importance of data-driven decision making, using expert opinion, and involving the whole team in decision making. Other tips include:

– Use data and metrics to inform decisions
– Seek expert opinions and advice
– Consult with other programs and management
– Consider risks and trade-offs
– Make timely decisions

Professional Ethics and Integrity

Integrity and ethical behavior are critical to project success. Madden stresses the importance of acting with honesty and integrity, avoiding conflicts of interest, and following ethical guidelines. Other tips include:

– Act with honesty, integrity, and transparency
– Avoid conflicts of interest
– Follow ethical guidelines and laws
– Promote diversity and inclusion
– Take responsibility for mistakes and errors

Project Management and Teamwork

Effective project management requires teamwork. Madden stresses the importance of fostering a positive team culture, encouraging collaboration, and maintaining a positive attitude. Other tips include:

– Encourage teamwork and collaboration
– Foster a positive team culture
– Address conflicts and issues promptly
– Use incentives and recognition to motivate teams
– Celebrate successes and milestones

Treating and Avoiding Failures

Even with the best planning and execution, projects can fail. Madden stresses the importance of learning from failures, addressing issues promptly, and taking corrective action. Other tips include:

– Identify and manage risks proactively
– Monitor progress and adjust plans as needed
– Address issues and failures promptly
– Learn from failures and incorporate changes
– Use past failures as opportunities for growth and improvement

In conclusion, Jerry Madden’s 100 rules for project managers provide a detailed and comprehensive guide to successful project management. They cover all aspects of project management, from initial planning to post-project evaluation. Any project manager looking to improve their skills and knowledge can benefit from these rules. While some rules may seem obvious, they serve as important reminders of best practices for successful project management. Together, they form a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed as a project manager.