Thoughts on Project Leadership and Choices

I love project management as a subject not only because it gets so much work done, but also because project management manifests how people operate.

I have written before that Projects are a great opportunity to practice leadership. They way we work on projects and the way we manage projects tell a lot of the kind of person we are. At each step, we have a choice. To choose abundance over constraints. To see possibilities amidst problems. To act rather than just preaching things. To solve rather than just pointing out. To seek engagement over giving instruction. To teach. To learn. To make a difference.

But we also know that managing projects and leading initiatives isn’t always easy. It is a constant struggle to deliver things in line with client’s ever changing expectations, on time with requisite quality and all this working with people at all levels. Sometimes, the grind can be unnerving and calls for a lot of patience and persistence.

It is amidst these moments that the true character of a project manager (and the team) is revealed. Great project leadership (not only management) calls for exercising those choices even in the most taxing situations. People often forget the specific details of the project, but they never forget the way work was accomplished and how they felt working on the project. That also means each decision, problem and interaction is an opportunity to think win-win, frame positive experiences, engage people and make a statement about your work.

So, if you are a project manager at any level, here are a few critical questions to think upon:

• What statement are you making by the way you manage projects?
• Are you creating positive experiences for your team, clients and your organization?
• Are you the right example for your team to follow?

Have a Great Monday!