Most project managers will fail to update the plan once it is written and approved for the first time. Whether they are lazy, do not understand the tool they are using, or some other reason, the project plan is not progressed. Without a plan that shows progress or lack thereof, how do you communicate the needs to the team? When a task finished early, how do you notify the next team member that the next task needs to start?

Assuming that your plan was set appropriately, then the dates will expand and contract based on early and late dates. The project plan is then ebbing and flowing. If tasks are finishing early, then you can continue the momentum by notifying the team members to start the next task early. If it is finishing late, you can talk with the team members to make sure they are ready to go as soon as it finishes so that no more time is lost.

Communication will always be the key. Letting your team members know what is coming can help move the project through to fruition.