#1 Timeline Management: BUILDING IN BUFFER
A big mistake that Project Managers oftentimes make is not having a realistic timeline. Oftentimes, Project Managers don't build enough buffer into their timelines. Building buffer into your timelines can help mitigate timeline risks associated with unexpected staff sick days, delays in work, scope creep or rework. It can also allow the project team more time to ensure accuracy and thoroughness.
Pushing back on demanding sponsors or stakeholders is important in timeline management. If your sponsors or stakeholders are asking for a specific delivery/ launch date, but you know that it might be tight, present your proposed timeline back to them and explain why you are proposing a later date. This will prevent you from having to explain later on why the project is delayed. Ensure that you are allowing for time buffers (also known as slack) so there is some flexibility and a more realistic timeline.
#2 Communication: POOR OR INSUFFICIENT COMMUNICATION
Frequent, clear, and transparent communication is important to the success of a project. Oftentimes, Project Managers keep potential risks to themselves for too long, or don't update the project team, sponsors, or stakeholders on issues or progress frequently enough.
Communicating any and all project updates to your leadership and project teams are important because there may be pieces of the puzzle that they are aware of that you are missing and vice versa. Holding twice-a-week meetings with teams and sending status updates regularly covering any and all project updates, progress, risks, timeline delays etc can help ensure clear and transparent communication across project teams.