What is the MVP of 1 Day per week Project Management?

Managing a project with a focus on efficiency and customer value, especially when you're dedicating only one day per week to it, requires a strategic and highly focused approach. Here's a breakdown of what you could do under each of the principles you mentioned:

1. Eliminate Waste:
- Lean Project Management: Adopt principles from lean methodologies to identify and eliminate waste in processes. This includes unnecessary meetings, redundant communication, or any activities that don't add value to the project.
- Streamline Communication: Set up efficient communication channels and tools. Use concise, action-oriented communication to minimize time spent on emails or meetings.
- Automation and Tools: Utilize project management tools to automate repetitive tasks and streamline workflow. This can include automated reporting, task assignment, and progress tracking.

2. Only Do What the Customer Values:
- Regular Customer Feedback: Engage with the customer regularly to understand their evolving needs and priorities. This could be through short, focused meetings or surveys.
- Prioritize Tasks: Based on customer feedback, prioritize tasks that directly contribute to delivering customer value. Use a method like MoSCoW (Must have, Should have, Could have, Won't have) to prioritize.
- Minimum Viable Product (MVP): Focus on delivering an MVP first. This approach helps in getting early feedback and ensuring that the team is working on features that the customer truly values.

3. No Bureaucracy, Only Necessary Governance:
- Simplified Processes: Implement only the essential processes and governance structures. Avoid over-complicating workflows with unnecessary approvals or documentation.
- Clear Guidelines: Establish clear guidelines and criteria for decision-making that empower team members to make decisions without always going through a bureaucratic chain.
- Regular, Brief Reporting: Instead of lengthy and frequent reports, opt for brief, focused updates to stakeholders. This keeps everyone informed without consuming excessive time.

4. Focus on Delivering and Accountability (RACI):
- RACI Model: Implement a RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed) matrix to clarify roles and responsibilities. This ensures accountability and avoids confusion about who is responsible for what.
- Agile Methodologies: Use agile methodologies to focus on regular delivery of project increments. This promotes a culture of continuous delivery and improvement.
- Performance Metrics: Define clear performance metrics that align with project objectives. Regularly review these metrics to assess progress and guide future efforts.

5. Time Management for One Day Per Week:
- Focused Sessions: Plan your day with dedicated time blocks for specific activities, like customer communication, team meetings, and reviewing progress.
- Delegation and Empowerment: Delegate tasks effectively to team members. Empower them to make decisions and take actions within their scope, reducing the need for your constant involvement.
- Preparation and Follow-Up: Prepare an agenda before your project day and have a clear plan of action. After the day, send out a brief summary and action items to the team, so progress continues even when you're not actively managing.

By adhering to these principles, you can manage a project efficiently with limited time, ensuring that every action taken is valuable and contributes directly to the project's success.

Tim HJ Rogers
I help people, teams and organisations set and achieve goals.
Supporting the critical thinking and creating the resources and environment for success.

ICF Trained Coach | MBA Management Consultant | Prince2 Project Manager, Agile Scrum Master | AMPG Change Practitioner | Mediation Practitioner | BeTheBusiness Mentor | 4 x GB Gold Medalist

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