10 Project Management Terms to Master

Adriana Girdler

Navigate Project Lingo Like a Pro If you’re just stepping into the world of project management – or even if you’re already managing projects – …

Navigate Project Lingo Like a Pro

If you’re just stepping into the world of project management – or even if you’re already managing projects – you’ve likely comes across some project jargon that sounds a little foreign.

Don’t worry – you’re not the only one! These aren’t just buzzwords though. There are certain foundational project management terms you must know to succeed as a PM. Not only will learning about them help you communicate effectively, it will also go a long way with helping you set your projects up for success.

Let’s dive into some of the project management terms you must know to succeed in 2025.

Term #1 – Priority matrix

The priority matrix is a must have tool for every project manager. It’s a simple, powerful document that helps you identify what project elements are non-negotiable and which have some wiggle room.

It’s your job as the PM to stay laser focused on project priorities, and the priority matrix will help. It can guide your decision making and also help to keep all your stakeholders aligned on the original plan.

The priority matrix also helps to ward off scope creep – the unexpected additions or changes that can completely derail a project if you’re not careful.

Term #2 – Steering committee

Your steering committee is the powerhouse behind your project’s success. Think of this group of people as your project’s governing body. They help keep your project on track, approve project direction and funding, remove roadblocks, and act as a champion for your project – both internally and externally. 

 
Your steering committee might include the project sponsor, the business owner receiving deliverables, senior executives from departments involved in the project, and your direct manager as well. With them behind you, you’ll have the support you need to guide your project to success. 

8 more ‘must-know’ PM terms

Rather than listing the rest of the crucial terms here, I made a video where I not only define each of them, but also give you an idea of how they contribute to your project’s success.

Follow me over to YouTube and to learn more!

Meanwhile, if you really are committed to mastering your next project, think about taking my SLAY Project Management online course. In the course I show you, step-by-step, how to successfully manage a project. On top of that, you get access to every template you will need, along with detailed video instructions on how to fill them out.

Cheers,

Adriana Girdler, PMP | Creator of Slay Project Management

P.S. Check out what one of my students said recently about SLAY:

“It’s the best investment that your company or you will ever make in your professional career.” RD

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Adriana Girdler is a project manager, productivity specialist, entrepreneur, professional speaker, facilitator, visioning wizard, and author. As President of CornerStone Dynamics, Adriana is one of Canada’s prominent business productivity and project management specialists—helping both individuals and businesses do what they do, only better. She is a certified master black belt lean six sigma with over 20 years’ experience improving how companies work.

She also holds both PMP (project management professional) and CET (certified engineering technologist) designations. She’s a Tedx speaker, as well as a HuffPost and Thrive Global contributor. She has been interviewed on Global, CBC, CTV, CHCH, 680News Radio, Newstalk 1010, Sirius XM and published in the Globe and Mail and numerous industry magazines. WANT ADRIANA'S FREE ONLINE TRAINING? In 45 min, learn Adriana's 5 project management secrets she use on EVERY project. Sign up for the Free Webinar here: THE FAB FIVE FUNDAMENTALS OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT

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