8 Must-Know Project Management Terms
Want to sound like a pro in your next meeting? Here are 8 key project management terms with real-world examples to help you nail your next project:
1️⃣ Critical Path
The sequence of tasks that determines the project’s shortest timeline.
Elon Musk at Tesla: "The battery production line is our critical path – if that slips, everything slips."
The sequence of tasks that determines the project’s shortest timeline.
Elon Musk at Tesla: "The battery production line is our critical path – if that slips, everything slips."
2️⃣ Blockers
Obstacles that halt progress until resolved.
Satya Nadella (Microsoft CEO): "When teams say ‘We’re blocked’, my job is to remove obstacles, not add more." 🚧
Obstacles that halt progress until resolved.
Satya Nadella (Microsoft CEO): "When teams say ‘We’re blocked’, my job is to remove obstacles, not add more." 🚧
3️⃣ Stakeholders
People invested in your project’s success (clients, team, execs).
Sheryl Sandberg: "Mark and I stakeholder-check every major product change – even small pivots need buy-in."
People invested in your project’s success (clients, team, execs).
Sheryl Sandberg: "Mark and I stakeholder-check every major product change – even small pivots need buy-in."
4️⃣ Kick-off Meeting
The first team huddle to align goals.
Example: NASA’s Mars rover team held a kick-off to define milestones like “land safely” and “find water.” 🚀
The first team huddle to align goals.
Example: NASA’s Mars rover team held a kick-off to define milestones like “land safely” and “find water.” 🚀
5️⃣ Gantt Chart
A visual timeline for tasks (like a project roadmap).
Boeing program manager: "The moment we saw the 787 Gantt chart stretch into 2025, we knew we needed more hands." 📅
A visual timeline for tasks (like a project roadmap).
Boeing program manager: "The moment we saw the 787 Gantt chart stretch into 2025, we knew we needed more hands." 📅
6️⃣ Risk Mitigation
Planning for “what-if” disasters.
Example: When Starbucks expanded to Italy, they mitigated risks by testing small pop-up shops before full launch. ☕
Planning for “what-if” disasters.
Example: When Starbucks expanded to Italy, they mitigated risks by testing small pop-up shops before full launch. ☕
7️⃣ Deliverables
Tangible project outcomes.
Example: Netflix’s Stranger Things deliverables included filmed episodes, marketing trailers, and merch designs.🎬
Tangible project outcomes.
Example: Netflix’s Stranger Things deliverables included filmed episodes, marketing trailers, and merch designs.🎬
8️⃣ Crunch Time
The final push before deadlines.
Example: Amazon’s Prime Day team works 24/7 to fix last-minute bugs before the big sale. ⏳
The final push before deadlines.
Example: Amazon’s Prime Day team works 24/7 to fix last-minute bugs before the big sale. ⏳
Which term do YOU use most?