Why does IT need a true project manager?
Employee #1 at Clear Guidance was Sarah Ellis and she has been a key success to what we do.
What makes Sarah so important? She is a bona fide project manager (not just an IT tech with the title!) After seven years in the construction industry managing build outs of various buildings and sites, she decided to make the transition into technology. She brings an excellent skill set to our clients, not just for project management, but also all the various facets of ERP for construction and manufacturing.
You may be thinking back to the last IT project you were involved in, and wondering why you need a project manager for your next one? (or where was the PM on the last one!?) Some of the key advantages Clear Guidance clients have experienced from Sarah’s expertise:
Communication and looking at big picture. IT engineers often spend so much time in the weeds, they do not think about how their work impacts client deadlines, usability, business flow and more. We have heard horror stories of executives not being able to receive phone calls, or accounts receivable being unable to invoice clients for weeks during IT projects. Historically IT has struggled to provide clear and concise communication to users on what to do and expect.
Setting expectations. No project will be seamless, it is important to know where gaps exist, and when to brace yourself for issues. A true PM will set expectations, both good and bad. If you have the right information, it is easier to plan for your business. Providing accurate information also creates a good feedback loop, where both the project team and client are adjusting plans based off the state of the project.
Resource scheduling and accountability. Sarah not only manages our team of engineers, but also works with clients to make sure the right people are available for testing, and any necessary vendors are involved and prepared. While our team would love to snap our fingers and make a project happen, we need users involved to define requirements, test, and give feedback. Often times outside vendors, such as software providers, must contribute heavily to a project. That requires providing specific items such as configurations and access, as well as scheduling access and outages.
Too often we were getting calls from companies saying “I just do not know who is in charge of this project anymore”. Our clients know the answer - Sarah Ellis! Contact us to see how Clear Guidance Partners can make your project successful.