Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager

The project management book for people who never asked to be project managers. Written by FranklinCovey experts Kory Kogon, Suzette Blakemore, and James Wood, this book recognizes a reality that formal PM literature often ignores: most projects are run by people whose actual job title is something else entirely.

Why This One

If you have suddenly found yourself responsible for a project and you need practical guidance fast, this is your book. It provides a simple, repeatable process built around five key steps: initiate, plan, execute, monitor and control, and close. The FranklinCovey framework emphasizes the people side of project management as much as the process side, covering stakeholder engagement, team dynamics, and communication in ways that feel immediately useful.

The book is designed for the working professional who does not have time for a PMP certification course. Each chapter ends with actionable takeaways and the examples come from real workplace situations, not idealized case studies. It is especially strong on risk management and on the soft skills that determine whether a project team functions well or falls apart.

What to Expect

A clear, structured read at 256 pages. The tone is professional but accessible. Heavy on frameworks and templates that you can apply to your next project immediately. This is not a philosophical exploration of why projects fail. It is a practical manual for making your current project succeed. Best for first-time project managers or anyone who wants a reliable process to follow.