Foreword

Many years ago, I began my career working as a software developer. One momentous day I was pulled aside by the department director and asked if I wanted to make the transition to project manager. I readily accepted without any inkling that this would change the direction of my entire career.

The following Monday, I found myself in charge of my first real project. The team consisted of six developers, one business analyst, and a quality assurance manager. Our combined annual burn rate was almost $1,000,000, and as I stared at my computer monitor it slowly dawned on me that I did not have a very good idea of what I was supposed to do. Worse yet, I found that answers to my questions were not as readily available as I had hoped they would be. Project management at this organization, and indeed in much of the business world, was largely a vague concept.

My turning point came when a senior manager came by my desk gushing over a project management plan that a new colleague had developed for him. From the moment I saw this comprehensive plan, I realized there was a better way to manage projects after all. This colleague took time to mentor me in this process, showing me best practices, connecting me with resources, and helping me to move beyond of the mistakes I was making.

At the same time that I was learning about process, it became clear to me that projects are accomplished through people. Managing projects is more about leading, motivating, and managing the right people than it is about defining tasks and schedules. Process is important, but good process without capable, trained, and motivated people is worthless.

So it is no shock that my first reaction when I picked up this book was to exclaim, “If only Jeff had written this book 25 years ago!” The Project Management Answer Book covers an amazing breadth of topics. The advice it includes is concise and straightforward. It is brimming with wisdom from someone who faced these questions in the real world and has sifted through the various theories and practices to find what works.

If you are just starting out as a project manager, Jeff’s book is the perfect place to begin. It is a rich source of concepts and practical help. The questions asked throughout the book are ones that every project manager has asked at some point in his or her career.

Even if you have been practicing project management for some time, this book will earn a place on your desk as an excellent field reference. How many times have you wished you had a particular template, example, or guide to walk you through a process?

Whatever path you’ve taken to get here, this book will prove to be a valuable resource in taking you further. With you on the journey …

—Andy Crowe, PMP, PgMP, PMI-ACP
Author, The PMP® Exam: How to Pass on Your First Try
and Alpha Project Managers: What the Top 2 Percent
Know That Everyone Else Does Not