Section 7

Granite Insights: Mikko Ajoviita, project manager

June 5, 2024

Mikko Ajoviita - Liiketoimintalähtöinen hanke- ja projektipäällikkö

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Welcome to the seventh part of the Graniitti Insights series!

In the Graniitti Insights series, we get to know more deeply each month the different roles and experienced experts of Graniitti.

In this part, we get to know Mikko, Graniit's experienced project manager, more deeply. Read below how Mikko ensures that the challenges of projects are explored and their successful implementation.

1. How long have you been with Graniitti?

- I will be 5 years old with Granit next autumn.

2. What has been the best thing about working at Graniitti?

- The best thing is that Graniiti has a nice work community and the continuous development of its operations. In addition, the company is able to offer versatile tasks in different environments.

3. What do you enjoy doing in your free time the most?

- My free time revolves largely around basketball. I train in the senior division and work as a coach in the youth team. Work quickly resets when you step through the doors of the hall and start to sweat.

4. Describe your role?

- In the role of a consultant, I have been able to do a variety of tasks for different clients, from the draft of the project office to the tasks of the QA Lead. Recently, I have also designed and run training packages and facilitated workshops.

5. What are the key responsibilities in your role?

- In general, the most important thing is to understand the customer's needs so that we can meet their expectations. I personally see my role as a kind of enabler so that the client has the conditions to succeed. In practice, this means, for example, filing development models and operating methods, so that the project team can do its own work efficiently.

6. What are the most common challenges in your role, and how do you overcome them?

- There are always uncertainties and risks associated with projects. Surprises cannot always be avoided and these challenges must be solved together with others. The best way to deal with situations is through good coordination and people's problem-solving and conversation skills.

7. How do you ensure the success of projects?

- Projects cannot be managed, if not we cannot measure the progress. Common metrics and monitoring methods guarantee transparency for all parties. Information sharing must be open and cooperation between different stakeholders is emphasized in achieving a common goal.

8. How do you keep yourself up-to-date on new project management practices and tools?

- Today, through social media, it is possible to follow what is happening around. I personally follow a few channels and some people's blogs. Some industry journals should also be read regularly. Most recently, I've gotten to know Microsoft's Gopilott and started familiarizing myself with the overall architecture reference framework.

9. How do you prioritize tasks and resources in complex projects?

- Prioritization is important in doing things at every level, so that we promote the right things and focus on what is essential. I personally maintain my own to-do list and prioritize it daily. Team and project work must also be prioritized and the right order of priority must be found for them when necessary, even by management.

10. How do you ensure open and effective communication with the team, stakeholders and other project parties?

- As a systematic person, I usually make a communication/communication plan together with a team member. In it, we agree on the main lines for the operation, such as how we communicate internally and externally to different stakeholders. It is also important to get the most relevant meeting and reporting routines in order.

11. What do you like best about your role?

- What I like most is getting to know new work communities, business areas and, above all, people. The people around you form a significant part of the meaning and well-being of work. Communication with others often continues even after the projects in one way or another.

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