Mastering the art of project prioritization | LeadDev Broadcasts

Learn effective project prioritization strategies that drive business outcomes and team alignment, from understanding business goals to iterating on projects and focusing on high-impact initiatives.

Key takeaways
  • Artistically communicate project priorities that resonate with the team and inspire them.
  • Effective prioritization starts with understanding the company’s business goals and translating them into specific project goals.
  • A PM should not be afraid to ask for help when struggling with prioritization, and it’s okay to admit when something’s not working.
  • Clear communication is key to success, and ensure that both the PM and EM teams understand each other’s roles and responsibilities.
  • Prioritize projects based on business value, and estimate project duration using data instead of assumptions.
  • Validate all conclusions with data, and avoid relying on pet notions or assumptions.
  • A single PM or EM can only prioritize so many things, so sometimes it’s necessary to focus on fewer, higher-impact projects.
  • Develop a plan to iterate on projects and adjust priorities as needed.
  • A strong leadership team is crucial for setting company goals and ensuring that everyone is working towards the same objectives.
  • Self-care is important for engineers and PMs alike, as burnout can negatively impact work and personal life.
  • Effective project outcomes are tied to a high-quality, aligned team, and investing in team development is essential for long-term success.
  • Constant vigilance is required to ensure that team goals align with company goals, and that priorities are adjusted accordingly.
  • Effective prioritization and planning require a deep understanding of the company’s needs and how they align with business goals.
  • Prioritization frameworks can help guide decision-making, but they should not be used as a crutch or a way to avoid difficult conversations.
  • Successful PMs and EMs must be able to communicate effectively, both synchronously and asynchronously.
  • Prioritization is not just about choosing which projects to work on, but also about choosing which projects to cancel or deprioritize.
  • Effective project management requires a strong understanding of the company’s technology ecosystem and infrastructure.
  • Engineers and PMs must work together to prioritize projects and allocate resources effectively.
  • A PM’s productivity is tied to the productivity of their team, and effective leadership is essential for achieving goals.