Catch up with Gaurav Malik, Isobar Global Program Lead

In our latest interview, Isobar’s Global Program Lead, Gaurav Malik, explains Isobar’s agile project management methodology, the key attributes of a successful project manager and how the discipline has evolved with advancements in technology and creativity.

Hi Gaurav — How has project management evolved as technology and creative processes advance?

As technology has advanced, project management has evolved from ‘in person management’ to ‘remote management’. With the tools and processes we are setting up within Isobar we are pressed to provide process, methods and tools which work for teams working across the globe. Technology and Creative teams can now collaborate live on virtual whiteboards and video conferences in real time, which enables collaboration, removes inefficiencies and scope of errors in the deliverables. This will help us to improve our quality of work, commitment to our clients, and overall profitability.

You’re an advocate of the agile project management methodology. Why?

Waterfall is dead. Agile isn’t new anymore. With our Agile methodology that we are defining, our clients are able to see our work much earlier in the project lifecycle than waiting to see the final product towards the tail end. This is also helping us to minimise our re-work, which removes lots of inefficiencies in the overall process. Apart from Agile, we customise our delivery model based on our clients’ needs and preference. The best approach is one that is nimble and can adjust to project unknowns while providing a clear path towards the end result.

A hybrid Agile development methodology is also something we use within Isobar, which combines the best features of Agile development and Waterfall planning.This allows us to react to unknowns and adjust accordingly.

When managing multiple streams of work, how do you ensure that they’re always on track?

A Program Manager is like a juggler, if they drop one ball, the entire show goes wrong. When a Program Manager is working on multiple streams, they need to ensure the structure is in place for methods, process, tools, and teams before the program begins. It’s then easier to manage multiple streams consolidating them in order of priority, making it easier to report the status back to relevant stakeholders.

What are the key attributes of being a successful program / project manager?

The key attributes to a successful program / project manager are:

• Communication
• Negotiation
• Collaboration
• Organisation
• Leadership — who builds extraordinary business, teams and long-term relationships.
• Results oriented rather than task oriented.
• Adaptable to change (becoming a Change agent)