Expectation Management
Many who have read Smooth Harold for sometime probably know that I’m an aspiring writer. Not a very good one, but aspiring none-the-less. We’ll I’ve decided what my first book will be entitled and what it will be about: Expectation Management which will cover the little that I know on project management and how it has effectively helped me manage my workload, clients, contractors, partners, employers, sales pipeline, college, customer service, and even my family relationships.
You see, project management is all about managing expectations of all parties involved on any given project. It can and should be used in not only software development but any engagement that is working towards an end result better than the current state. The gist of Expectation Management is to ensure that all parties know what is expected of them and one another, when deliverables need to be completed, how follow-up will take place, and what will happen if problems or delays arise. It’s not rocket science, so I think I can knock her out in 100 pages or so.
Anyone know a publisher?
4 Comments
Managing expectations is pretty much how everything in life turns out right. People need to manage expectations in marriage, friendships, family relationships, and relationships with God.
So you could possible stretch that hundred pages a little further.
Sounds like a great idea. Do it!
As for length, keep it at 150-200 pages. I just read the great Time Management For System Administrators by Tom Limoncelli. It was a perfect size at 200 pages, even though his writing style was a lot of fun to read.
All management is about managing expectations. As a manager you provide expectations to your team and then let them manage it. Then you manage upward what the boss expects of you. If all parties are working off expectations that are understood then it makes work much more enjoyable.
As far as the book thing goes – let’s talk that over next week – I have some interesting insight for you.
The peeps at 37signals.com seem to think ebooks are the way to go now — no cost to “print” and easy distribution. You can also sell on Amazon.com without having a publisher.