Umasree continues from where she left in the last post…
It is not just PMP and beyond…it is Project Management and beyond… that is what makes Project Managers successful business managers and people leaders.
I have 10 principles that I would follow as a Project Manager and most of the PM’s would find themselves aligned to these 10 principles in one way or the other.
1. Be clear and consistent in communications. Transparent and timely communications not only prove the alertness of the Project Manager but also his proactive approach to face things and address them in the right spirit. At the same time informal communications with the team not only provide valuable information but also make team feel heard and responsive.
2. Role Models as team players. It is the V- Model of the Birds in the sky. The leader leads by example, at the same time, not letting the focus of other team members get diverted. Like the birds in the sky, when the leader is not available or tired or has other things to concentrate, the most efficient next member takes the lead role. This gives them the opportunity to prove their ability and some breathing space for the Project Managers to concentrate on other things that need attention.
3. Processes and Policies are to ease our lives and not complicate them. So keep them simple and usable. Policies are made to maintain uniform practices and adhere to certain organizational norms. Same time, remember there would always be a possibility for exceptions and don’t be rigid when exceptions have to be considered.
4. Every PM should not only practice tailoring and waiver as the project demands, but also should be able to tailor his / her time to manage issues external to projects at initial stages itself. No team member should be made indispensable and should have appropriate backup plans to accommodate personal emergencies
5. Dr Abdul Kalam in his book “Ignited Minds” talks extensively about his leader and mentor Dr.Vikram Sarabai. The specialty of this relationship is that it proclaims that leaders take ownership for failures. With close to 40% of projects in Red status, there is always the chance of mistakes and issues that drain Project Managers. But as leaders, PM’s should be able to do an balancing act. Protecting the interests of the project teams and stakeholders and at the same time, correct internally on whose gone wrong. Publically appreciate team and privately correcting them brings in a bonding and commitment to projects from team members.
6. Delegation of Authority and Responsibility should happen by analyzing the skills and abilities of the project team members. Providing additional responsibility to hard working employees would provide them an opportunity to grow. Leaders who have grown in the corporate ladder are those who have initiated the growth process of their team members first.
7. Balance between affirmation and assertiveness. Learning to say “No” is also a talent. When some things’ cannot be achieved, it is better to explicitly tell that in advance than failing to make it at the end. Taking only how much you and team can chew is always strength. This does not indicate to avoid responsibilities, but at the same time, unwarranted expectations will be avoided. Accepting things that can be performed, with the given resources and timelines provide more project success than failing on the promised deliveries.
8. Integrity, Punctuality and being Organized are not Project Managers qualifications but they are the attributes that make you an efficient and respectable project manager. Sincerity to work, punctual to office and meetings, agenda and focused conference calls, planning your tasks every day, setting time for unexpected work and sharing a sense of trust and faith in the team makes wonders.
9. A sense of understanding and belongingness can be achieved when Project Managers are approachable. I have heard people saying that their bosses are always busy and don’t have time to listen to them. Where else will they go? To them, you represent the organization. Being a people manager adds additional responsibility to be able to handle people’s expectations, issues and motivate them.
10. In today’s world, there is no big room for emotions. At the same time, don’t forget to be human beings. After all, what stays for ever are the memories of how you reacted when someone is in trouble. Tragedies, personal losses, family emergencies, medical needs, additional responsibilities, hobbies, social activities, personal lives, marriages, children, school activities, sporting hobbies and lot more make people’s lives. So teach the team to prioritize and balance things not impacting work or their personal lives. This work-life balance would only ensure that we are still human beings and not just machines working 24/7.
These things may look like too much of an additional burden on the responsibilities of a Project Manager. But trust me, most successful project managers today are those who proved excellent people managers. These small small things go a long way in the success of a project.., for people who are motivated, handled appropriately and recognized and balanced are the people who deliver the best.
www.umasreeraghunath.blogspot.com
Related posts:
- Does the role of Project Manager end with managing projects?…An Analysis by Umasree
- Is Communication a Challenge or a Blessing? – by Umasree Raghunath
- Project Management in Product development – Umasree Raghunath
- Organizing to Lead – Guest post by David Kershaw
- MS Academy at a client’s Annual Managers Meet
