Project Hero Blog - Weekly Best Practices and Tips

It’s hard to believe, but 2-3 years ago, many of us felt AI wasn't ready for prime time. But in 2026, project management will enter a new era. The new era will be defined by confident acceleration in the use of artificial intelligence, even as many issues are resolved.

AI is now a partner, transforming how projects are managed. The question organizations now face is how to implement it responsibl...

One cold and windy November day, a light dusting of snow fell over Projectville. Projectville was a town known for planning, progress, and completion, and the citizens were proud of their traditions. In 2025, they lobbied the mayor to add a new tradition, a Winter Holiday Festival. It would be a celebration bringing together families, neighbors, and visitors from the region.

Mayor Gantt appointed...

By Ray (with assistance from Microsoft Copilot)

The tree is trimmed with lights aligned,

All milestones checked and tasks assigned.

A schedule glows by candle’s flame,

All presents wrapped, each gift by name.

Stakeholders gather, warm and bright,

To hail success on a starry night.

Risk logs updated, all issues closed,

While snow falls softly on Santa’s nose.

The budget’s balanced...

As the year winds down, many project managers find themselves balancing deadlines, reporting cycles, shifting priorities, and holiday demands while trying to maintain a sense of calm. December can feel like a pressure cooker, but it also offers a valuable opportunity to prepare for a stronger start to the coming year. By taking a few intentional steps now, you can reduce stress, close out the year...

Time is a constraint that separates successful project managers from those who struggle. A well-constructed schedule improves predictability, reduces stress, and gives stakeholders confidence that the project manager is in control. On the other hand,  poorly constructed schedules lead to rework, idle resources, and escalating costs.

In recent years, many industry experts have expressed concern th...

The PMP is a Milestone, Not a Destination

For many project managers, earning the Project Management Professional (PMP)® credential is a significant career goal. It’s a highly respected and sought-after professional certification, signifying a thorough understanding of project management principles and practices. But here’s the truth: the PMP is not the finish line. It’s the starting block.

Too o...

“Work smarter, not harder” is easier said than done, especially for project managers. With shifting priorities, competing demands, and unplanned issues, it can feel like there’s never enough time in the day. Working smarter doesn’t mean cutting corners or rushing through tasks. It's about optimizing processes and leveraging resources effectively to get the best possible results through focus, stru...

Starting a project with an accurate budget is a significant step towards project success. But many project managers view budgeting as a one-time planning exercise, rather than a continuous management process. A well-constructed budget shapes expectations, guides decision-making, and provides the structure that enables the project team to perform effectively.

The crux of managing a budget effectiv...

Organizations understand the need to identify and analyze risks. But few give equal attention to developing a consistent process for risk response planning that turns awareness into action. A well-designed process guides decision-making, reduces cognitive bias, and manages secondary or residual risks arising from those responses.

Without a process, risk management becomes reactive. Decisions are ...

Not long ago, someone questioned the wisdom of holding a weekly project status meeting where the whole team participates to discuss issues and potential requirement changes.

“Wouldn’t that be an expensive meeting?” they asked.

“Sure,” I replied, “but imagine the expense without it.”

That brief exchange encapsulates one of the most persistent misconceptions in project management. Meetings have a...