Tech Tidbits 2.3: Leah Headrick

Season 2 Tidbit 2

How do you manage client expectations and ensure alignment with project goals?

 

Senior Project Manager Leah Headrick and Chris Teigan discuss:

• working with clients
• how to optimize project management processes
• expanding scope
• how communication is absolutely key to project success

Runtime: <4 mins

Chris: Hi, Leah. Thanks for taking the time to answer some questions today. Are you ready to do this?

Leah: Let’s do it, Chris.

Chris: All right. Question number one: Tell me about your role and your history at Creed Interactive.

Leah: I’m a senior project manager at Creed, and I’ve been here for about five and a half years.

Chris: Five and a half years—over half a decade! When I first started here, I felt like you’d been here much longer than me, but you hadn’t been here that much longer. How long have you been with Creed?

Leah: I’m coming up on five years—well, six months away from five years.

Chris: So, you have a year on me.

Leah: Yeah. But you were such a seasoned pro when I joined. I was shocked.

Chris: Thank you. All right, question number two: How do you manage client expectations and ensure alignment with project goals?

Leah: I just try to be as communicative as possible and get on the same page with the client and their expectations right from the start. Even during a meeting, I’ll recap: “Okay, everybody, this is what I heard—this is what you intended.” I think it’s important because sometimes, especially if something isn’t written down, assumptions can be made. So, I make a point to confirm my understanding and ensure we’re all aligned.

Chris: Great. Question number three: What steps do you take to ensure your team stays motivated and productive?

Leah: I try to foster an environment of positivity and openness on my team. I think I do a pretty good job of that.

Chris: You do a great job of that.

Leah: Thanks! I also like to give the team freedom and authority to make their own decisions. I’m not a fan of micromanaging. I want them to take ownership of the process because I believe that sense of ownership motivates them to do their best work. When someone proposes a solution, they’re more invested in ensuring its success. That kind of ownership fosters a productive and motivated environment.

Chris: Absolutely. Next question: Can you describe your process for managing project budgets?

Leah: Ooh, budgets—that’s always fun. We estimate projects as best as we can upfront, though estimates can be tricky because the beginning of a project is when we know the least. Once we refine tasks and learn more, we story-point those tasks. I keep checking to ensure alignment with the estimated hours based on the story points. If something doesn’t align, I flag it. Is it extra scope? Were our estimates off? I address these things as early as possible to avoid blowing the budget. If it turns out to be extra scope, I communicate with the client right away.

Chris: Leah, thank you very much for your time. I appreciate it.

Leah: You’re welcome. Talk to you later, Chris.

Chris: Bye!

Leah: Bye!