There are many ways to manage tasks as a project manager but it has to be right for the project being delivered, the methodology used and the stakeholders. Some important points below

• Set up the communications plan to suit the project, the methodology and the stakeholders.

• Agile & lean deliveries that have quick turnarounds and a set list of tasks may necessitate a more low level task management.

• However if the task list is extensive and there are many projects under your management then low level task management is not scalable and unsustainable.

• Remember as a project manager you are there to manage task execution but not to execute tasks yourself.

• Task management at a simple level is making sure the right resource is allocated against the right task, sounds simple but putting square pegs in round holes will cause delays.

• If the stakeholder project management knowledge is limited and the company you are in is at an immature level PMO wise, then low level task management may be needed but experienced project managers need to use their discretion and professional knowledge to make the correct management decision.

• Ideally no stakeholders at task oriented low level operational level should attend project management meetings such as developers, testers etc, your communications plan should be set up so that project updates come from managers at the operational level.

• As a project manager you are not there to micromanage operational stakeholders but to manage the project deliver at a holistic level. The caveat to this is as above when the company domain and project management structure necessitates a more hands on project management style but this should seldom happen.

• The traditional Microsoft project plan is a dying breed and in some companies now extinct, it’s too rigid and whilst it does what is says on the tin it isn’t dynamic enough in modern project management.

• Systems to manage project tasks and reporting need to be dynamic and agile in nature, Monday.com is good but any interactive internet based system will suffice.

• The days of spending endless time creating a 1000 lined project plan with individual tasks is over and not realistic, nothing gets delivered if you manage like this.

• Set up your project so that you can manage blocks and phases either one at a time or in tandem, and understand your dependencies and resource allocation and constraints within.

• Don’t let the company manage the project for you, make sure you are in control and manage openly and progressively, remember who is responsible and accountable for the project delivery.

• For all tasks at a simple level you need to understand what is on the critical path and focus on key deliverables and block out the noise.

• Remember task management is only a small part of the pie, don’t bury your head in the sand with tasks to the detriment of other key project deliverables, stay focused and deliver a successful project.

Thanks for reading 👍