Scrappy Project Management: The 12 Predictable and Avoidable Pitfalls Every Project Faces

by Kimberly Wiefling

Projects are MESSY! From the minute the project begins, all manner of changes, surprises and disasters befall them. Unfortunately most of these are PREDICTABLE and AVOIDABLE. Tact and diplomacy can only get you so far in the wild and wacky world of project work. A combination of outrageous creativity, sheer bravado and nerves of steel will serve you far better than any fancy-schmancy Microsoft Project Gantt chart! 'Scrappy Project Management' is about what REALLY happens in the project environment, how to survive it, and how to make sure that your team avoids the predictable and avoidable pitfalls that every project faces.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business, Management

154 pages, Paperback

First published September 2, 2007

Reviews

[Sara Q · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of those "wish I could give negative stars" cases. I couldn't finish this book, it was so incredibly awful.

The beginning of the book is full of testimonials and quotes and other nonsense that had me thinking I had somehow found my very first piece of Kindle spam.

The writing is at the level of high school girls passing notes in class. I think the author is attempting humor, but instead it just makes her sound like she has no idea what she's talking about. The tone of the author bio in the back only reinforces that impression. There is little to no actual substance. The examples are anecdotal at best.

The "graphics" or occasional lists and tables use a font that is nearly unreadable and offer very little useful information. You might find more helpful tips from a bad motivational poster, in fact.

The author never, ever, touches on any true project management guidelines. She doesn't even bother to explain what a project is -- that it has a deadline and a specific goal. You might sort of get that gist after you're in the third or fourth chapter.

Overalll, this book was worthless. For a valuable but timely project management book, try A Project Guide to UX Design.

[Morgan Vega · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is outdated now. The same points were stated over and over and over again, while significant considerations that complicated these points were never mentioned.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for anyone that is struggling with an overwhelming amount of projects and stake holders will differing expectation. It was inspiring, gave clear example of how to push through the issues and awakened an entirely new passion for me. Project Management - no matter what you expertise is so important. Unlike many self-help books, this is written concisely with tons of information in only 130 pages.

After reading several other Project Management books, I am currently re-reading this gem. Thank you Jeremy for sharing this with me!

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pulled this old volume off the shelf after started a new project at a new job. Nothing amazing about this one, and it would have probably made more of an impression had I never managed a project before, but it's certainly readable. The very self-assured voice of the author cuts through to the essentials of project management. If you can stand the cockiness, you might learn (or at least re-learn) a thing or two.

[G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I see some criticism here that this is not a complete project management guide and that it is mostly common sense. I see where this criticism comes from, but I think it misplaced. First, looking at the tagline, I doubt it aims to be a complete "How to run your project" guide. Second, a lot of project management is common sense.

I thought it was helpful, quick, and entertaining. I'll probably revisit before my next project.

[Muhammad Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mixed bag of some useful project wisdom - clear, relevant and frequent communication, and customer centric Point of view holds a key to a successful project.

[Logan · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I wouldn't class it as outstanding, there were some good nuggets of practical information in here. I did find some benefit even if the tone and formatting were off-putting.

[Aparna B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unsure why there are so many negative reviews. This book was recommended to me by a colleague for me to build up more leadership skills and other professional al development goals I have.
While some of the humor used wasn’t great I appreciated the simple, blunt way the author explains how to be a successful project manager with what works and what doesn’t work. Maybe I’m biased though since I’ve worked in agile for 10 years and have had to already know some of the tactics about having really good communication, planning for the unknown, etc. but still. I appreciate the book and did highlight a few passages as reminders for myself. If you’re new to PM, I’d still suggest this book for professional development. 3/5.

[Daisie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been working as a project manager for over nine years and this is the first book that really gives you the real deal! Kimberly doesn't play nice or pretty up PM...she tells it like it is! Project management is hard and messy and this book really sets your expectations and gives you real concrete advise on the ins and outs of PM.

If you are new to project management and need some tips and tricks on how to be successful this book is it!!

[Lincoln · Rating 2 out of 5]

The unserious tone was more distracting than entertaining but it was a quick read and had some good high-level reminders and tips for how to effectively manage projects, which is what I was looking for.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book discussing what can go wrong during projects and how to avoid those pitfalls. Good lead up material for my upcoming classes.

[Roy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some useful ideas, affected how I think about the MIDDLE of projects.

[Steve Whiting · Rating 3 out of 5]

No rocket science here, but a quick read of solid principles and pragmatic guidance.

[Marcos Moret]

A pep talk with substance to back it all up. There weren't any revelations here for me, but an enjoyable read nonetheless.