This should be the Project Manager’s watch word. It stands for

KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID!

One of the biggest failings in projects is scope creep and making things too complicated. The client, the techy and even the project manager can get over excited during the project and costs, scope and timelines can all start creeping.

To prevent the project growing arms and legs, the project manager should have the mantra “Keep it Simple stupid” playing in the back of his mind at all times. This will keep the project simple by focusing on what the real requirements are and not what the client or the techy would like to do.

When any challenge or opportunity is encountered, ask the questions:

- What are you trying to achieve
- What are the options to achieve this
- What is simplest option
- Is there any risk

Once you have this information, you will know what the simplest option is to implement and any associated risk.

Remember, you will be praised for delivering a project on time and to cost not that it has bells and whistles.