Blog

What to Do When Resource Planning Get's Overwhelming

April 06, 2015 by ganttic
Categories: Resource Planning
Resource planning is overwhelming, we get it.
The world spins so fast (almost 1,000 mph if you’re wondering) that there’s hardly time to do anything. 75% of projects fail because of missed deadlines, an inevitable sentence when things get out of hand. Especially when you keep receiving e-mails whenever a Tom, Dick or Harry needs to reschedule their work time. On top of that, you have to answer to a panel of annoyed leaders about all the missed deadlines while they huff and puff away. Some recommend yoga and some suggest a new religion. But as you try to touch your toes on your purification path to Kaivalya in an incense-filled room, you can’t help but wonder if you should stop avoiding and start addressing the problem.

The guaranteed way is to make a list on the ways you can refer to every time you need to deal with overwhelming situations. The list should cover ways to get back on track by what to focus on, where to spend time on and what is important.

searching help

  • Use a resource planning tool
If you have post-it notes all over your wall, a resource planning tool like Ganttic is easily the solution. All you need are basic computer skills such as clicking, typing and scrolling to start using the platform. Enter all your resources, give them tasks and assign them to projects respectively. Rescheduling only takes one action - dragging into a desired area.

  • Start with a fair estimate
It’s important to start out with a realistic estimate of the project duration. It’s more productive and rewarding to be transparent to be blunt about your estimation than to promise something you can’t deliver. Do not be pressured by a budget or the board of directors to set a deadline that you know won’t happen. It not only harms your reputation, but will also have a domino effect on following projects or other plans.

  • Have a worst-case scenario thought out
Be ready for damage control. A well-thought out plan for when things don’t line up right will reduce the stress and the risks of failure. It also means that the first “failure” isn’t permanent and that your project has a second chance to live up to its expectations. This also gives your team and leaders reassurance and confidence in you and themselves.

  • A fresh perspective
If you have been running around in the rut of failure, it’s time to see things from a new perspective. Having a fresh pair of eyes will help you spot the problematic areas that you are immune to. Depending on the nature of your project, this could be an industrial expert, a fellow colleague, or even your office janitor. Your aim here is to reduce your blindspots and improve your progress instead.

If resources were easy to handle, there wouldn’t be a need for resource planning. Stay on top of things with the Ganttic platform, it will allow you the ability to juggle tasks, resources and projects effortlessly. Sign up today!

Author: Patricia Goh
Resource Planning