I spent the summer checking out the weather forecast to plan my days and noticed recently how the view on the web site changed and I didn’t feel confident in the forecast anymore even though it was telling me the same type of information as before. It was because I had come use to looking at things the same way. On comparison the new view gave me improvements on the old that even I had been annoyed about. It reminded me that project management is about using a tool box of processes, techniques and tools to suit the situation and then to improve upon. Too many times I see supposed project managers just using the same tools again and again despite each project being unique and I wonder if they only have one way of doing things – which all experienced Project Managers know will lead to failure at some point.

So my message to those who have a limited tool box:

– Expand your horizons and look for some different tools and see what they can be used for.
– Talk to other Project Managers and be open to new ideas – you aren’t right all of the time.
– A different tool can tell you a different story – try it and see what you learn.

And finally to all those Project Managers who have a finance background – there is more tools out there than MS Excel 🙂