There are over 1 million managers in the US, and they all have one thing in common: feeling pressured when given a special work project. The new work project can be a great opportunity to showcase your managerial skills, but it's also another stressor to add to your already full to-do list.

If your project is successful, you'll be praised for your intelligence. If it fails, your peers might lose respect for you. The good news is that there are some simple steps you can take to make sure your project goes off without a hitch.

Here are 5 steps that will help you navigate your way through this murky territory.

1. Scope of Work

Without a clear idea of what needs to be accomplished, there's no way to tell if you're on track. Remember to define your project and outline everything it needs. Also, put the tasks in order of importance.

For example, if you're building a house, you would need to hire an architect before getting any permits from the building department.

2. Hire a Project Manager

You need someone who can coordinate the efforts of all the people involved. The person in charge of managing this coordination is called a project manager.

A typical project manager's salary is over $84,000 per year and they're expected to have at least a few years of experience. Make sure you get references from previous clients before hiring one so you know what their work ethic is like and if they have experience with projects similar to yours.

3. Risks and Benefits

This is a critical step because it helps you decide whether your company can afford to move forward with the project.

First, identify the potential risks of your temporary project. These are things that could go wrong and cause unexpected delays. Next, list out all the expected benefits that come from completing this task successfully, such as increased productivity or improved customer service.

The benefits should outweigh the risk.

4. Temporary Employees

Staff augmentation is often the best choice for a new work project. You can hire new employees on a contract basis, so you don't have to pay for vacation time. They're also more flexible than permanent employees because you can terminate their contract at any time.

Sometimes, you'll need to hire someone who has specific skills that your team doesn't have. This is where temps come in handy.

5. Gather Supplies

Always buy more than enough material. There's nothing worse than running out of something halfway through a job! You may have to go a little over budget, but it will save time and stress later in the project.

Excel at the New Work Project

By using the steps listed above, you'll succeed at the new work project. Remember to take time and think about what needs to be done. Never jump into a project without doing the proper research and hiring the right team.

For more tips and advice on simplifying your work life, check out our lifestyle posts. You'll find lots of ideas that will help improve your time management.