Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager (Updated and Revised Edition)

I started leading projects and programs at my corporate job because I loved turning my ideas into reality. I had no project/program experience and learned from trial and error. I found this book and it helped me be more efficient, reinforce the things I was already doing, and learn new things to make me better. It was easy to read and provides a simple and direct structure for how you can successfully lead projects, programs, and the people who bring them to life.

Clear book on the basics of project management that will be valuable to any employee or entrepreneur that wants to give themselves the best odds of success.

Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager uses case studies (storylines) to illustrate application of project management principles elicited in the PMBOK. The magic formula (my term): People + Process = Success. While the book addresses tools and techniques of the five process groups of a project, its emphasis is on leadership and some technical aspects of project management. It offers case studies to underscore the importance of effective communication with stakeholders and addressing their particular interests. In one of the scenarios, where a company relocation is illustrated, stakeholders range from the company CEO to employees and their families. The company is functionally oriented, and the project manager seeks understanding of the goals from the C-suite, builds a team, deals with the stresses of not having a dedicated team, and contends with scope changes (“scope discovery”—a term identified in the book—vice scope creep). Along with suggestions for successful interaction among team members and with key stakeholders, the book provides sample templates outlining some communication strategies and for documenting some project related tasks. It is not exhaustive in either of these areas, though it is comprehensive enough to spark creative thinking in project teams. This reader can relate to the protagonists (project managers), the challenges they faced, their lessons learned, and their successes. This book is an excellent resource for both the unofficial project manager and the PMP, and I recommend it.

All you need to know for any conversation up or down your project talent stream. No wonder this title is included under the Franklin Covey umbrella of learning tools. This trio of writers have collaborated to write a no nonsense (which is to say a sensible) guidebook for every phase of project management. This title needs to be included in your toolbox and the toolbox of those you collaborate with - be of a similar mind - go get things done!

Quick to read, great insights on project management.100% recommended.

This is a great book to read for people who are starting to learn about project management for the first time. The authors of the book explain project management principles in a way that does not overwhelm individuals. Overall takeaways from the book: “Project management is as much about effectively leading people as it is about skillfully managing a process.” “Without project management discipline, we lose direction.” “Your goal is to understand the unique perspectives and desired results of each key stakeholder before you begin the project.” “Successful project leaders practice accountability because it reinforces informal authority and ensures project success.”

I have recommended this book to numerous friends, and many have been as helped as I was. Sadly, the 2024 updated edition is more complex, eliminates very helpful sections (eg: “informal authority” was well explained in the original edition, and barely touched on in the revised edition). Please make the original edition available to those of us who prefer it. Thank you!

In this interesting take on what the essence of project management really is, the authors draw on a variety of experiences in which people who are individual contributors on a project actually use one or more project management competency. Considering any project or program of decent size normally involves the efforts of dozen to hundreds of people, there is a vast audience for this book. While this work does show how project management can inform and even make the working lives of non-project managers better, it is careful to caveat its advice by showing areas where more advanced study or experience is needed to fully execute a function to the level expected of an official project manager. As a credentialed program manager (PMP), I really did not get a lot out of this book personally, but I did like its bare-boned and practical nature. I think that had I read this book before obtaining my credential it would have been very worthwhile. In my case, this book was a monthly pick by our local Project Management Institute book club to which I'm a part. I highly recommend this book for professionals of all types since even if they are in a technical field, to progress they will have to use and / or master many of the skills in this book someday.

Je recommande vivement ce livre qui se concentre sur l'essentiel de la gestion de projet. Ce livre est très bien écrit. Il décrit les principes de base de la gestion de projet et aussi et surtout ce qu'est un chef de projet et les qualités qu'il doit avoir profondément en lui pour qu'il réussisse sa mission et aussi pour qu'il soit accepté en tant que leader. Il est agrémenté de nombreux cas concrets qu'on suit de chapitre en chapitre et fait régulièrement référence au PMP.

Veloce e chiaro, contiene diversi template per gestire le varie fasi del progetto. Non è il PMBOK ma vale la pena leggerlo

Simplemente, el mejor libro de project management que me he leído hasta ahora

I wish I could read more books like this related to the project management world. The book is awesome. I didn't realize when I finished reading that book. Examples are simple and useful. It may miss some technical details, but I believe the idea is to enhance soft skills and tailoring the project manager mindset when it comes to plan, execute and control a project.

Found this book very useful!! Must Read !!