Surveys in Project Management

Project management is as much about tools as it is your own organizational abilities. Even the best project manager needs to use Microsoft Project, SalesForce, Excel, and other tools to make sure that everyone working with the project is being successfully managed and organized. In some cases, the most important talent of a project manager may be their ability to work with technology and figure out how to organize and motivate effectively.

With that in mind, project managers may want to consider integrating online survey software into their project management processes. There are actually many uses for this type of software that can be beneficial for the trained project manager.

Surveys are basically just a way to gather information. While they’re primarily used as research tools, at a very base level their primary purpose is to be a way to find answers to questions. Even as children we used to use surveys to find out how our crushes felt about us: “Do you like me? Yes No Circle one.” That’s a survey, even if it is written in crayon and handed on a sheet of crumpled white lined paper.

You’re not running any type of study, but you are asking a question to try to find an answer quickly and easily. Project managers need to gather information regularly, and surveys allow you to collect that type of data. Consider all of the following ways that a project manager could benefit from a survey software and note that this is not an all-inclusive list: Periodic Updates on Progress One of the hardest parts of managing a project is making sure that everyone is getting their tasks completed on time.

There are two issues at play – first, people lie. Second, people procrastinate. If you just go up to someone and ask how they’re doing they’ll probably say “fine.” You have no choice but to move on.

But imagine if at the end of every day, the employee was expected to answer questions on their project. “How close do you think you are to completion?” and “What did you do today on the project?” These questions will keep you posted on the employee’s work, and it will keep the employee accountable because they will know that every day they are expected to answer those questions. You’ll be able to make sure that everything is progressing accordingly, and if you find that someone isn’t making progress you’ll be able to intervene before the deadline comes into play. With SurveyMethods online survey software, you can also have their answers automatically get reported online, so even if you are sick you’ll be able to find out how well the employee has been progressing.

Needs and Ideas It’s not just during the project either. You can use online surveys during the intake/planning phases as well.

For example, if you’re running a project for a client, you can come up with a list of questions for the client, send it in a survey, and have everyone read and respond to their answers. This methodology may be better than planning with the client in person, because it ensures that every employee can see what the client said. Similarly, if you need to know what those working on the project need to move forward, the ideas they have, or their thoughts on the project, you can send them a survey and find out their thoughts.

Remember that your employees may not always speak up in meetings or share great ideas (or what they need to move forward), but if you send a survey, you’ll be able to get answers from everybody – answers that you can review thoroughly so you don’t overlook anything. Feedback after Project Completion Of course, project management doesn’t end when a project is over. You’ll also want to find out if the project was seen as successful by the recipients, how the employees felt working on the project, if there were any errors, and more.

Once again, surveys are a much easier way to get this feedback. It’s unrealistic to call every person and expect honest answers – you likely do not even have that kind of time.

But with a survey, you can easily collect data on the project while you work on your other tasks, and review the information when you have a moment to see if there is anything you can learn for the next project you run.

As a project manager, it’s okay to be inventive, and the above strategies for using online survey software can genuinely help you run your next PM project. More information is usually better, and online survey software gives you a simple way to collect information that is more effective and may keep those working on the project even more accountable. It’s an idea that you should consider exploring for your next project, and when you do, consider using SurveyMethods – affordable online survey software that is perfect for project managers.