Why hire a project manager for running a small project? “The team can multitask; they just need to organize their workload.” “The project is simple; the team needs no leadership – they just need to get the work done.” “We can spare no money; a project manager is a luxury we cannot afford.”

A project manager may seem an extra cost to the organization, but in reality, a good project manager helps to keep the cost of the project low, the customer’s satisfaction high, and the risks to the project under control. If an organization wants its small project to succeed, that project needs a project manager. If resources are limited, a part-time project manager might be the choice. Indeed, some small projects may be simple, and team members can, and usually do, multitask, but the need for a project manager remains. Project managers do more than just organizing the work of the team members. Here are just five reasons even a small project needs a project manager.

Large or small implies the same constraints

A small project is no different from a large project in terms of constraints like cost and time. All project constraints must be taken into account for the project to succeed. To complete a project in time and within budget means the team needs to work efficiently. But usually the project team is more focused on making the deliverables successful than they are focused on making the project successful. The project manager focuses on both the success of the deliverables and the success of the project. By taking the burden of project management from the team members’, they can fully focus on executing the project. The project manager manages the project so that the team can manage the work.

Planning is a must

It is too easy to skip the planning phase of a small project. Because a small project is considered simple, the team might be tempted to skip planning and start working on the deliverables. But the lack of planning triggers rework, missed deadlines, and schedule delays. The motivational speaker Brian Tracy said, “Every minute you spend in planning saves 10 minutes in execution.” The project manager plans the project so that the team can efficiently execute the work and complete the deliverables. Ideally, there is no rework and, thus, the team spends less time on the project, which translates into lower costs for the organization.

Customer requirements

Without a project manager, the team might start working without making sure they gather all customers’ requirements. Incomplete or incorrect requirements result in rework and even project failure. The project manager gathers all the customer’s requirements upfront, consults with the customer, and makes sure the deliverables of the project meet those requirements. Again, these actions save money to the organization and keep customer’s satisfaction high.

Risks exist even in small projects

The project team might be too subjective to be able to identify and evaluate objectively all project risks. The project manager identifies and assesses those risks, monitors them, and develops risk responses in case those risks do happen later in the project. Unidentified risks that materialize are costly if not fatal to the project. Managed project risks increase the likelihood of the project being successful.

Success triggers success

A project manager brings value to the project and, if the project is successful, to the organization. A successful project, even a small one, that is managed effectively, increases customer’s satisfaction and thus the probability of that customer or of other customers assigning new, larger projects to the same organization. Success triggers success.

Cristina Neagu

Cristina Neagu, PhD, is a freelance editor and proofreader, and a Certified Associate in Project Management. She loves creative writing and managed a virtual team of writers for three years. When she's not working, she likes to read, spend time outdoors, and travel. Visit her website, www.languageediting.com, or contact her on LinkedIn.

Latest posts by Cristina Neagu (see all)