Project Management for Humans
Helping People Get Things Done
Project management—it’s not just about following a template or using a tool, but rather developing personal skills and intuition to find a method that works for everyone. Whether you’re a designer or a manager, Project Management for Humans will help you estimate and plan tasks, scout and address issues before they become problems, and communicate with and hold people accountable.
Project management—it’s not just about following a template or using a tool, but rather developing personal skills and intuition to find a method that works for everyone. Whether you’re a designer or a manager, Project Management for Humans will help you estimate and plan tasks, scout and address issues before they become problems, and communicate with and hold people accountable.
Testimonials
A great mix of proven approaches and new ideas; the craft of digital project management finally has its bible.
Carl Smith, Bureau of Digital
This book is like a mentoring conversation with your fun uncle. It’s easy to read, includes loads of examples that bring the concepts to life in ways anyone can understand, and is grounded in business practices that really work. There are even sample layouts for templates. Brett’s done the thinking about how to make your projects successful, and distilled it into what you really need to know to deliver on your targets time and time again. Recommended.
Elizabeth Harrin, creator of A Girl’s Guide to Project Management
Finally, digital teams have a reference book that covers everything they need to know about project management, from scoping and budgeting to managing teams and clients. Brett Harned has written a guide that both project managers and designers can use.
Karen McGrane, author, Going Responsive
Brett’s book is full of great advice for those wanting to learn the ropes of successful project management. Whether reading straight through, or using it as a reference in a time of need, this book is a must.
Aaron Irizarry, Head of Experience, Infrastructure Capital One, and author, Discussing Design
Stop banging your head against the wall when it comes to your web projects. Harned provides specific guidelines, motivational tips, and empathetic advice that will align your teams and elevate the way you plan, run, and manage your projects.
Ahava Leibtag, President, Aha Media Group
I’ve always loved Brett’s authoritative-yet-comforting way of speaking and was psyched to see how incredibly well that tone came through in Project Management for Humans. The content is, of course, super-helpful but it’s his, ‘Look, I know this may seem tough, but we’re going to get through this together’ tone that really makes this book one that I’ll come back to again and again.
Trish Tchume, independent consultant to nonprofit organizations and social justice groups
Table of Contents
Foreword by Greg Storey
Chapter 1: You’re the PM Now
Chapter 2: Principles over Process
Chapter 3: Start with an Estimate
Chapter 4: Getting to Know Your Projects
Chapter 5: Create a Plan
Chapter 6: Managing Resources
Chapter 7: Communicate Like a Pro
Chapter 8: Navigating the Dreaded Difficult Conversation
Chapter 9: Setting and Managing Expectations
Chapter 10: Scope Is Creepin’
Chapter 11: Facilitation for PMs
FAQ
These common questions and their short answers are taken from Brett Harned’s book Project Management for Humans: Helping People Get Things Done. You can find longer answers to each in your copy of the book, either printed or digital version.
- I’m not a project manager. In fact, I know nothing about what project managers do. Can you tell me a little more about it?
The role of a PM can certainly be a mystery—particularly when it’s not done well. There are specific characteristics that make a great PM, like being a clear, calm communicator, or adaptable and flexible. And there are a ton of tasks that many PMs take on, such as creating estimates, crafting process, and reporting on project status among others. It’s equal parts technical and soft skills. Check out Chapter 1, “You’re the PM Now,” for the full details on what makes a good project manager.
