The Lazy Project Manager - Event in Exeter

On the evening of 5th December, The South Wales and West of England branch hosted a well received presentation by Peter Taylor based on The Lazy Project Manager.

On his presentation, Peter started by saying that project management was gaining wide public exposure through avenues such as The Apprentice, Grand Designs and even the Olympics but that many project managers could not explain what project managers did without saying that they ..er.um..managed projects!

Using examples from Greek philosophers, Prussian Field Marshals and even Monty Python, he demonstrated the importance of the softer skills, especially communications, in achieving project success. He also stressed the importance of developing a robust relationship between the project manager and project sponsor. The importance of identifying the key jobs that will move the project forward, even if they are not the best or most interesting jobs eat the ugly frog first.

The communication plan was believed to be important to focus communications but it had to be reviewed regularly to ensure it remained effective. By paying attention to these issues, everyone can achieve the goal of becoming a lazy project manager, secure in the knowledge that they can put their feet up because the project is under control.

The staff at the Met Office were thanked for their hospitality in respect of the venue, the excellent buffet and also their presentation on the work of the Met Office given to the audience whilst the main speaker fought his way through severe traffic congestion on the M5. The opportunity was also taken to thank Colin Ware (CDS Chapter Coordinator) for his efforts on behalf of the SWWE Branch, who was standing down from the Committee to concentrate on his MSc studies.

Julian Harris
Chairman -Cornwall, Devon & Somerset Chapter