Overview

This course offers a human-centered approach to project management, focusing on practical tools and mindset shifts to lead projects effectively. Whether you’re formally or informally managing projects, this course will help you build the confidence and skills necessary to lead with clarity, adaptability, and confidence. By emphasizing real-world applications and communication, it ensures that you can handle any project situation that arises. In this course, you'll dive into the core responsibilities of a project leader, learning how to apply flexible principles over rigid templates. You'll also explore how to manage stakeholder expectations, estimate effectively, and track progress with precision. The hands-on techniques and expert advice provided will help you manage both predictable and unexpected challenges. What sets this course apart is its focus on adaptability and communication, combining solid project management principles with real-world applications. You'll learn how to handle scope changes, facilitate discussions, and maintain effective collaboration with teams and clients. This course is ideal for designers, freelancers, team leads, and anyone involved in managing projects, whether formally or informally. No prior project management experience is required, but a desire to lead projects more effectively is encouraged. Copyright © 2017 Brett Harned. All rights reserved. Originally published by Rosenfeld Media, LLC. This course edition is published by Packt Publishing under license from Rosenfeld Media LLC. No part of this material may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without prior written permission from the author or the publisher.

Syllabus

You're the PM Now

In this section, we demystify the project manager (PM) role versus job titles and examine key qualities-clarity, empathy, adaptability-and fundamental tasks: estimating, planning, scope monitoring, scheduling, and communication.

Principles Over Process

In this section, we explore how linear project management frameworks, adaptive Agile practices, and flexible change-management models merge into principle-led methods tailored for fast-moving digital initiatives.

Start with an Estimate

In this section, we build reliable project estimates by decomposing work via WBS, evaluate time-and-materials versus fixed fee models, then translate agile user stories into story-point forecasts with planning poker.

Getting to Know Your Projects

In this section, we establish a repeatable research workflow, practice targeted stakeholder interviews, and apply early red-flag detection to streamline project kickoffs, mitigate risk, and strengthen client alignment.

Create a Plan

In this section, we turn project goals into a workable plan by sketching scope, using Work Breakdown Structure, estimating timelines, and securing stakeholder approval for realistic, controlled delivery.

Managing Resources

In this section, we establish structured resource planning, align skills with project needs, and classify stakeholders as resources while using utilization metrics to flag overload and justify added capacity.

Communicate Like a Pro

In this section, we will learn to craft crisp updates, set team service agreements, and read nonverbal signals that build trust, speed collaboration, and motivate diverse professionals.

Navigating the Dreaded Difficult Conversation

In this section, we assess situation, people, and emotions, then apply structured preparation, active listening, and thoughtful language to steer difficult conversations toward constructive, relationship-preserving resolutions at work and beyond.

Setting and Managing Expectations

In this section, we will learn to apply the Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed matrix, craft scope aligned communication plans, and hold honest status meetings that keep expectations steady and scope in check.

Scope Is Creepin'

In this section, we detect scope-creep signals early, draft clear change requests, frequently update plans, and balance cost, schedule, and quality to safeguard stakeholder value during evolving projects.

Facilitation for PMs

In this section, we will learn how product managers lead unbiased sessions, design agenda-driven meetings, and guide brainstorming and clustering activities to tame conflict, lift energy, and finish with clear next steps.