Managing a project can be exciting, but it’s also easy to make mistakes along the way. Whether you're running a big team or working on a small task with a few people, knowing what to avoid can save you a lot of trouble. Here are seven common project management mistakes and how you can keep them from happening.

1. Poor Planning
Jumping into a project without a solid plan is one of the most common problems. You need clear steps, timelines, and goals. Start by figuring out what needs to be done, who’s doing it, and when it should be finished. Remember, even a simple plan is better than no plan. Using tools like Advised Skill early on can help you and your team stay focused.

2. Lack of Communication
Projects often fail because people don’t talk enough. Everyone should know what’s going on at every stage. Even short catch-up meetings or quick chats can help keep things running smoothly.

3. Unclear Roles and Responsibilities
If team members don’t know what they’re supposed to do, mistakes and delays can happen. Make sure everyone knows who’s in charge of each task. This avoids confusion and helps work get done faster.

4. Setting Unrealistic Deadlines
Pushing for results too quickly can backfire. Make sure the timelines make sense for what needs to be done. If goals are too hard to reach in the time given, stress rises, and quality falls.

5. Ignoring Risks
Things can go wrong, and that’s okay. What matters is being ready for the bumps in the road. Take some time early on to ask, “What could go wrong?” Then come up with simple ways to handle those problems if they happen.

6. Not Tracking Progress
If you don’t keep an eye on how things are going, it’s easy to fall behind. Check in on progress regularly and adjust your plan if needed. Small reviews can help fix small issues before they become big ones.

7. Skipping the Final Review
Once the project is done, take time to look back. What went well? What didn’t? This helps you do even better the next time.

Managing a project doesn’t have to be hard. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll make the whole process a lot smoother and enjoy better results in the end.