As it’s just about the time of year when everyone starts planning their summer getaway, we thought it would be a nice idea to take a look at how you can use your skills as a Project Manager to make your holiday run smoothly.

Not going on holiday but valentine’s got you in the mood for love? Take a look at our post on how to project manage a wedding.

If you’re not yet a Project Manager but would like to learn how to be one, PRINCE2 is the ideal qualification. We run PRINCE2 Courses here at Silicon Beach – and with us being based in Brighton it’ll feel a bit like a holiday!

The Problem

How often do you find yourself fretting for weeks or even months over that one little trip, wanting to make sure that everything’s perfect, only to turn up to the airport without your suitcase or passport or children?

Even when you’re there, as much as you’d like to relax, every situation becomes an issue – what restaurant should we eat in? Beach or pool? Pina colada or margarita? Such tough decisions.

Well, help is at hand. Thanks to your excellent Project Management skills (or those you’ll be learning on our Intro to Project Management Course) you can organise your holiday and make it stress-free – just follow these 5 simple tips:

1/ Outline a Project Brief

What is it you want out of the holiday? Do want time to relax or do you want an adventure?

Make sure you know exactly why you’re going on holiday in the first place – failing to prepare etc.

2/Set Scope and Tolerances

Set your budget and how much you’re willing to diverge from it if necessary.

Understand what will be included in the holiday (nights out, surfing lessons, hiring of a Lear Jet) and account for these expenses accordingly.

3/ Create a Stage Plan

Have a good idea of what you’ll be doing each day – it doesn’t have to be set in stone, but if you want to spend a day looking at Greek ruins then factor that into your plan and realise that it’ll mean a day away from the pool.

Most importantly, don’t try to do too much – unless being more stressed by the end of your holiday was in your original brief – in which case don’t stop doing things; ever.

4/ Manage Quality

Do want a luxury 5-star suite or are you happy in a hostel? Either way, make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. Keep an eye on various amenities and service standards and if they don’t meet your criteria, let someone know!

Complain if need be and make sure you have evidence of any issues you’ve had. This can be in either written or photographic form – although a photo of a cockroach in the bath is probably better proof than an angry note about it.

5/ Closing the Holiday (Project!)

Were you satisfied with your holiday? Take note of what was good and what was bad and remember that next time you book one. Liked the beach but didn’t like being in a hotel? Think about a villa next time.

Sounds simple but how many of us just head back to the same resort each year because it’s easy and the manager pretends to remember us each time? Instead, learn from your (my) mistakes and go somewhere different.

Fun in the Sun

More than any of this, enjoy your holiday – that’s the whole point! Hopefully though, following these tips will provide you with a more relaxed experience and that’ll mean you will have enjoyed it more.

When you’re back on home soil, why not take a look at this post to brush up on your essential soft skills – the perfect way to get back into the daily routine!

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Tags

closing a project, holiday, managing quality, Project Brief, Project Management, scope, Stage Plan, tolerances

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