Episode 109: Be Inspired

In almost every superhero’s story there is that point where he feels defeated and wants to give up. Yet always, there is the person in the story who is always a voice of inspiration.  The one that speaks some words of wisdom and from that, the superhero finds renewed energy and purpose. Lucky for us we don’t have to wait for that person to come along.  There is wisdom all around us. Don’t believe me?  Just open Facebook, linkedin, or Slideshare (among the countless other social media platforms) and you will be bombarded with inspirational quotes.

I recently read a post that said “Find what you love and do it everyday”. That quote struck something within me when I read it. Maybe because I didn’t always love what I did. Now, don’t get me wrong, I have had a great career with some really great companies. I just wasn’t really “inspired” until I discovered project management. Once I discovered the world of PM, I knew I wanted to do it everyday.  That is also why I teach it and why I am writing this blog.  I love project management and I am glad to do it everyday!

Along my project management journey, I have picked up quotes that for whatever reason meant something to me.  Following are a some of my favorite quotes that have brought me renewed energy and guided me along the way…

1. A change in direction does not mean the team failed. The path to the end goal is filled with twists and turns.  As more becomes known about the project we may often realize that where we were headed wasn’t where we needed to be.  Lead the team through the change but don’t be afraid of change.
2. There is always a better way to do something. This is so true, I have often been surprised to think I was executing to textbook only to have someone with an idea that was perfect.  Sometimes we just get so focused that what we need is to come up and look around.   Listen to what others have to say.  Their idea could be better.
3. Don’t let best get in the way of better. I am such a perfectionist.  I will spend so much time ensuring that all the boxes line up and the fonts are consistent.  In the end, that isn’t what people notice.  They are looking for content.  There is usually an opportunity for revision so don’t wait until it’s perfect to share.
4. Shout great news publicly but whisper bad news privately. Doesn’t this seem logical? Think about it, how happy were you when someone publicly announced your bad news?!  We all appreciate kindness and subtlety.  We also appreciate a little applause when we do something well.  Think about how to share the news before communicating.
5. The cost to do it right will outweigh the cost to redo it after it was done wrong. You have been there. Faced with the decision to move quickly in order to meet the deadline or miss the deadline to ensure quality.  What I have noticed is that people will not remember you were 2 weeks late but they will remember how painful it was to clean up the mess.  There just isn’t a good reason to sacrifice quality.
6. Find what you love and do it everyday!

Episode 32:  Assemble a Team (of superheros)

A goal of the Project Manager is to create that almighty superhero team that can generate results.  The ideal team would be a group of talented individuals that can overcome obstacles and perform at exemplary levels.  How does a project manager create a superhero team and replicate success from project to project? Let’s take an example from one of the greatest teams ever known.

“There was an idea to bring together a group of remarkable people, so that when we needed them, they could fight the battles that we never could”.  – Nick Fury

Project Name: The Avengers Initiative

Project Goal: Fight the foe (Loki) that no single superhero could withstand.

S.H.I.E.L.D Director, Nick Furry, assembled together “Earth’s Mightiest Heroes”, also known as The Avengers to defeat Loki.  What made the Avengers successful was their super human abilities and stellar fighting skills.  In addition to the Avengers’ extraordinary talents was a common framework that can make any good team a superhero team:

1. Team members commit to the goal.  The Avengers did not waste time trying to figure out the goal.  That was because it was made clear from the start – save planet Earth from Loki.  It is critical to success, that all team members understand the goal and commit themselves to its success at the start of the project.  When team members do not understand the goal, they will divert and create their own separate goals – some not so valuable.  A team that understands and is committed to the goal will be quicker to identify solutions and deliver results. A powerful way to communicate the project goal to your team is to conduct a project kick-off.  The project kick-off gives team members a chance to hear the desired result from the customer.  In addition, team members can begin to visualize how they fit into achieving the project goals.
2. Team members express themselves.  With the Avengers, each superhero brought unique skills and talents to the group.  Even the Hulk with obvious anger-management issues could harness it for the good of the team.  A good project manager learns the talents of the individual team members and allows those talents to be expressed in the project.  All team members have a place where they can excel. As a project manager, you can help team members to find that role in the project team.  Use a variety of techniques when planning and executing that will allow different talents to surface.  Use white-board sessions, sticky notes, and other tools to get ideas from team members that may not otherwise speak up in an “open forum”.
3. Self-Directed Performers. The Avengers didn’t need Nick Fury to direct their every action.  Team members identified the tasks at hand and took it upon themselves to act.  Roles and responsibilities are beneficial in a project, but it is even better to set expectations for team members so they will find out what needs to be done and act accordingly.  This doesn’t mean the team members don’t report back or even discuss possible solutions.  A self-directed team will know when to ask and when to act.

Any project is only as good as the team being assembled.  Remember, as the project manager your ability to engage the team early will improve the projects chance for success.  Some jobs are so big they require more than just one superhero, so work to the best of your team’s abilities and skills.  Most important, establish a common framework early on that can make any good team a superhero team.

Episode 1: Project Manager Super Powers

The Baroness

http://www.comicvine.com/baroness/4005-11022/ 

This year, I celebrate 10 years in Project Management.  I find myself surprised when Project Manager’s just starting out in their careers ask me for advise.  After all, I still feel so new in the profession myself.  Still, I am compelled to part what wisdom I can in hopes that they can avoid some of my pitfalls.  Usually my first word of advice is to discover your super power.  Yes, that is right, I said Super Power.  As project managers we all have a super power.  The one area we are really good at, more than all the others.  Being a Project Manager is a tough job, with many skills to master.  Along your career, mastering all those skills might seem overwhelming.  Find the one skill to master that will be our super power.  Develop and utilize that super power which will help you define the Project Manager you are to become.

So what is my super power?  Well, my super power is Team Engagement.  I think there is nothing like that first kick-off meeting when the team sits down together for the first time.  There is a sense of excitement and curiosity.  That is the moment when as a project manager I can first amaze them with my super power.  I love using games to get the teams out of their seats and start working together.  I know, the quicker I can get the team moving around and thinking, the quicker the team will engage in the project.

If I have a super power then I must have a super hero name, right?  Yes, I do. My super hero name was given to me by my team.  In fact, my first encounter was when the symbol was first pinned to my cube wall.  I found it after returning from lunch.  Quickly the name started popping up when people referred to me.  So, I guess much like Spider Man or any of the others I embraced my name.  I am now referred to as the Baroness of Project Management (or Baroness).  Oh and yes, I still have that symbol on my cube wall.  If you aren’t familiar with the Baroness, I encourage you to check her out.  She has some skills that make her a “killer” PM.