A rule of thumb is a principle with broad application that is not intended to be strictly accurate or reliable for every situation -Wikipedia.
They’re everywhere! There are rules for this and rules for that. It seems that there are rules for nearly every situation in life and business.
But have you ever paused long enough to consider if they apply to real world situations?
For project managers, do any of the following rules still apply to project management? What do you think?
The 15% Rule
If a project is 15% complete and problems occur, the project will stay in trouble through completion.
15 Minute Rule
The 15-minute rule states that you should do a task for 15 minutes and take a short break. Then return to the task or start another. It seems that some managers feel this technique improves concentration and boosts productivity.
15 / 5 Rule
The project update email should take no longer than 15 minutes to write and take the reader no longer than 5 minutes to read.
90 / 90 Rule of Project Management
- The first 90 percent of the project takes 90 percent of the allotted time. The remaining 10 percent takes the other 90 percent of the time.
- 90% of the project absorbs 90% of resources; the remaining 10% absorbs another 90%.
8 / 80 Hour Rule
Also called the 80-hour rule. This rule states that a task should be no shorter than 8 hours and no longer than 80 hours.
The 2 Minute Rule
If the task takes less than 2 minutes – do it now.
The 20 / 80 Rule
A project will typically accomplish 80% of the results through 20% of the effort. The other 20% of additional results comes from about 80% of additional effort.
The 1 / 10 Rule
1 hour of planning saves 10 hours of doing.
The 10 Minute Rule
Work on a dreaded task for 10 minutes each day. Once you get started, you may find you can finish it.
The 45 Minute Rule
Do something for 45 minutes straight with laser focus, and then take 15-minutes to unwind and do something relaxing. Repeat.
The 100% Rule
The WBS must include 100% of the work defined by the project scope and capture all deliverables including internal, external, and interim.
The 7 Hour Rule
Project managers should always create work plans and timelines based on the 7-hour rule, meaning their tasks could be accomplished within a 7-hour a day.