March 20, 2009
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Train the trainer
I’ve used Microsoft Project before. I believe we used it a little in my project management courses about 5 or 6 years ago. But I don’t have extensive experience with it.
At work, they decided they needed Microsoft Project to keep track of what people were doing. I don’t think they understand how complex Project is, but anyway…
So I just finished two days of Project 2007 training. Now I have to go back to the office and train 5 others.
In a couple of hours.
I am expected to cram two days worth of training into a couple of hours.
Just let me don my cape and tights and I’ll get right on that
Comments (11)
I want a pic of you in the cape and tights!
They know how smart you are and that you will only be passing on info on a “need to know” basis. They don’t need to have a full understanding of the program right away. Just enough to get them going with it. You are going to be the super-star reference person (in your tights and cape).
They’re using MS Project to keep track of people? I’m not a software expert by any stretch of the imagination, but I have to believe there are other program better suited for what they want.
At least you know a lot more about Project now.
I also want to see the cape and tights.
@ItsSuze - LOL There is no cape and tights (don’t know if you saw the Matrix: ‘There is no spoon’)
@Tyche - We got a huge grant from one of the foundations to do some project (I have no idea what it is) but they asked for Microsoft Project so they could keep track of tasks, hours, expenses. That is what Project is for. For those who think they need it to assign tasks to their direct reports – I have had a hard time trying to convince them that using outlook tasks will do the job for them.
ok….although i’m horde…. *casts focus magic*. and lemme hop on my pally…*casts cleanse, flash of light, and BoPs you* you can do it!!!
loooooooool don’t mind me. it’s 7am and i’m going to bed. long night raiding…unsuccessful raiding. people just don’t know hwo to do the safety dance!
@teefahknee - LOL I hope the BoP item has lots of stamina! I’m going to need it!
I had a similar situation as an Admin, and I just used the two hours to introduce and demonstrate what the product could do. I had some handouts that told “how to”, and I let them call me when they wanted help doing something. Meh…
Project can be helpful in merging two people’s efforts and timelines, so that’s my thought on where it might be used to track the team’s work efforts. I don’t have a lot of skill in using it either, being honest; but my last group used it pretty much.
justme
cm
I’ve actually never even heard of Microsoft Project. Guess I’m out of the loop.
What…”Miracle Worker” wasn’t in your job description either?
Companies think Microsoft Project will save them–it does help, but if there are no systems in place already, getting a software program isn’t the solution! But at least you got some decent training in it, that will definitely help.
@GreekPhysique - The unfortunate thing is that I don’t think any of them understand project management or the project development life cycle. It’s going to be like teaching a deaf person to sing.
@ExLibris - Hmmm…maybe I’d better go back and read it and see if it’s in the fine print. I should check for “mind reader” too.