(^134) 97 Things Every Project Manager Should Know
Clear Terms, Long
Friendship!
Matteo Becchi, PMP
Arlington, Virginia, U.S.
ThE TITlE oF ThIS TIP IS FRoM An olD ITAlIAn SAyIng: Patti chiari,
amicizia lunga, which means “Clear terms equal long friendship.”
I think this mantra applies to many aspects of project management discipline.
On a broader, methodological level, this saying summarizes in my mind the
idea behind scope statements, setting goals and deliverables, and creating proj-
ect definition documents. Really, all project artifacts are geared toward stating
upfront the terms and goals the project team is setting out to accomplish.
Now take that concept to the 50,000 foot- (or 15,000-meter) view. Look at the
initiation and planning phases of the project life cycle across the nine knowledge
areas of the PMBOK® Guide, from developing the project charter, scope, work
breakdown structure (WBS), schedule, cost estimates, to quality/HR/communica-
tion and procurement plans.
Each of these activities underlines the heavy focus we dedicate to planning
upfront and communicating the plan to all stakeholders to make sure every-
one is on the same page. These are basically measures to ensure smooth sailing
on the journey that is the project life cycle.
Second, on the tactical level, when running meetings make sure you build, or
simply state and set, clear project meeting guidelines and expectations with
your team, such as:
• There will be a specific agenda and a required attendees list prepared
ahead of time. With the high salary rates of good software developers, you
can quickly go over budget if you waste coding time in meetings.
• Agree that each participant will prepare by gathering information, talking
to outside experts, reading relevant publications or research, and consult-
ing old notes or company records, as appropriate. A second meeting with
expensive personnel because one teammate did not prepare is inexcusable.