[TIPS] Managing Roadblocks & Running Your Project Smoothly

Series: Project Management (Episode 4) Hosts: Renee Chiuchiarelli & Julie Parks Length: ~11 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Episode Summary In this fourth installment of the Project Management mini-series, Renee and Julie break down what happens after you've aligned stakeholders, gained approvals, and kicked off your trade compliance project. This episode focuses on the real work — running the project, managing roadblocks, and keeping everything on track with structure, clarity, and communication. Renee and Julie walk through four practical steps that successful project managers rely on, whether you're implementing trade software, managing a compliance program, or improving broker performance. If you're involved in any ongoing project (big or small), this episode gives you a clear, repeatable framework that keeps tasks moving, risks controlled, and your team accountable. Key Takeaways 1️⃣ Establish Regular Tag-Ups Two types of meetings are essential: Project Team Meetings: more frequent, tactical, working-level Sponsor or Leadership Tag-Ups: higher-level updates, monthly/quarterly These keep everyone informed, connected, and aligned. 2️⃣ Run the Meeting with a Plan + Issues Log A project without a plan… isn’t a project. Use tools such as: Microsoft Project Excel (RAG status works great) A shared issues log Your issues log should track: Item number Description Date opened Responsible party Date closed Notes (timestamp each meeting) The log keeps the team organized and accountable — without calling anyone out. 3️⃣ Keep an Updated Risk Log Projects evolve — and so do risks. New risks emerge, scope shifts, resources fluctuate. Your risk log helps you: Track emerging risks Flag issues for leadership Prevent surprises during sponsor reviews 4️⃣ Communicate — Especially with a Round Table Every meeting should end with: 👉 “Does anyone have additional roadblocks or concerns we haven’t discussed?” This creates a safe environment where team members feel heard, aligned, and empowered to raise real issues before they derail progress. FIO: Figure It Out This week’s action: ➡️ Start an Issues Log — even for one small project. Use Excel to track tasks, owners, dates, and notes. Send it out before and after each meeting. You’ll instantly improve alignment, accountability, and flow. Once you try it, share your results in the Trade Geeks Community! Keep the Conversation Going Tell Renee and Julie how your issues log is working! Join the Trade Geeks Community: 👉 Trade Geeks Credits Hosts: Renee Chiuchiarelli - LinkedIn Julie Parks - LinkedIn Producer: Lalo Solorzano LinkedIn Subscribe & Follow New TIPS episodes every Tuesday. Presented by Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals. 👉 www.GlobalTrainingCenter.com Connect with us: Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn Global Training Center on LinkedIn YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts Trade Geeks Community Want to Be on the Show or Suggest a Topic? Email us at [email protected] or DM us on Twitter/X: @SimplyTradePod