Leadership is quite a challenge in the project management world. The project manager does not usually have authority over team members like an operational manager, who has control over direct reports, job evaluations, and promotions. In fact the project manager not only has to “lead” but also “negotiate” with others for human resources, to run a project.With this additional challenge, what are some things a project manager may do to assume the leadership role on a project and get results? Here are some straight-forward actions that may help:
1. When writing the Project Charter, make sure that the project manager’s role has the authority to use organizational assets (human resources, materials, and goods etc.) to execute the project.
2. Work closely with operational managers so that there is little or no interference with operations while the project is running.
3. Work closely with the sponsor of the project so that the sponsor may intervene when needed to free up team member expertise and work when needed.
4. Write up status reports on team member performance during the execution of the project that employees may refer to when being evaluated for compensation or promotions.
5. Recognize and reward team members’ work, especially when they go above and beyond the call of duty.
6. Recognize the team when milestones are completed satisfactorily.
There are plenty of other ways a project manager may encourage, mentor, and assist team members to do their best in a project environment.
Can you suggest other ways a project manager may move things forward on a project?