Episode 538: How to Stay in Control of Multiple Projects

https://www.pm-podcast.com/538 -

Managing more than one project at a time can feel like a constant balancing act, and for many project managers it is part of everyday life. In this conversation, Elizabeth Harrin joins Cornelius Fichtner to discuss the updated second edition of Managing Multiple Projects and the changes it brings. The discussion highlights how Chapter 7 has been reframed as "Practices," offering practical approaches for building sustainable success. Listeners will gain clear advice on where to start, how to set boundaries, and which methods can lighten the workload without sacrificing quality.

The conversation covers a range of practical techniques that project managers can apply immediately. These include using checklists and templates to save time, establishing governance structures that provide oversight without overwhelming the team, and applying prioritization practices that help determine what must be done first. Elizabeth also talks about the systems that support day-to-day control, from simple status reports to personal productivity habits that keep everything aligned. The discussion remains firmly rooted in actionable steps that project managers can put to work in their own environments.

Alongside structured practices, Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of sustainable habits. Project managers need methods that work not just for the next deadline but over the long term. Topics like managing personal energy, setting realistic expectations, and learning when to say no appear throughout the discussion. While these may sound obvious, they are often overlooked when the pressure is on. The episode leaves listeners with the confidence that managing multiple projects does not have to mean being constantly overwhelmed, but instead can be approached with systems and strategies that truly work.