4. Project Agreement
When projects run amuck, it's generally because they don't begin with a project agreement. I understand that people get excited at the beginning of a project and the natural inclination is to dive in and get moving. The only problem with that is the person diving in is usually diving in alone.

Without a project agreement, other people might not be on board and they might not know what their objectives are, their roles and responsibilities, and their timelines. Defining a project at the beginning is critical. It's okay if things change, and they often do, but when you have a project agreement you have a foundation to build on and work from.

5. PM Scorecard
I'm a big believer in knowing how you score as a Project Manager. We use an online PM Scorecard that we developed that looks at three kinds of performance: business, project and project team. The scorecard gives you a comprehensive look at all three dimensions so that you know where and how to improve. Accountability and the ability to measure ensure that you will know when you've arrived at the destination called success.

So, the next time you are challenged to come up with ideas that increase productivity, you know where to start. Look to the power of project management and no further than your PDA and desktop for inspiration. Sometimes the best solution is literally right in front of you.

Michelle LaBrosse is the founder and Chief Cheetah of Cheetah Learning. In 2006, the Project Management Institute selected Michelle as one of the 25 most influential women in project management, one of only two women selected from the training and education industry. Michelle is a graduate of the Harvard Business School's Owner & President Management program for entrepreneurs, and is the author of Cheetah Project Management and Cheetah Negotiations. To contact Michelle and learn more about Cheetah Learning, visit http://www.cheetahlearning.com.