The Six Simple Rules: 6. Live your role

This article is part 6 of 6 of the series Six Simple Rules

… that moment when you were appointed to manage your first project ever – you probably didn’t have a clue what your new role was all about. Suddenly, being an expert in your field was not sufficient anymore. Suddenly, you need to get on with things no one ever told how to do – maybe you are not even sure, what exactly your new duties include.

For new-born project managers the situation above is more common than one might actually think. But even after years of experience, it is always worth to think and re-think your role in your project.

All too often we ‘technically’ know what our role is, but we are still not really aware of it. On some days, we might just behave like ordinary team members. Doing a good job probably, but not the work of the project manager. Especially if you work with a small team, you very often need to do also a lot of the practical project work. It could be that as little as 20% of your time is assigned to the actual managing of the project. If this is the case, then it is quite easy to forget about those 20% altogether.

Therefore, be aware of your role. Live your role! See it as a chance to develop and become a better manager.

The following hints might help you on your way: Continue reading →

The Six Simple Rules: 5. Problems everywhere?….take them as challenges!

This article is part 5 of 6 of the series Six Simple Rules
This article is part 5 of 6 of the series Six Simple Rules

We all know that projects are full of problems. Our daily business as project managers is a never-ending fight for resources, with ever changing requirements, budget cuts and unwanted delays.

Correct?

Projects are volatile, full of risks and sometimes even decorated with incompatible goals. I am not exaggerating when I say: This is what our business is like, nothing to be done about it.

Really nothing? No ideas? Continue reading →

The Six Simple Rules: 4. Don’t miss additional opportunities

This article is part 4 of 6 of the series Six Simple Rules

Many of us tend to be hard-core pessimists. I would go as far in saying that pessimism is the number one mental problem of project managers. And there is a simple reason behind this: From the very beginning of our careers we are trained to keep an eye on the risks and potential extra costs of everything we do. And … it is wise to do so! There is anawful lot of things that can go wrong and wreak havoc upon your project.

But on the other hand this is a real shame. Wouldn’t it be much more fun to focus on the good things instead: your chances? These project opportuniuties are more or less the opposite of project risks: additional benefits which offer themselves on top of you project goals. Of course I do not advise to ignore your risks. That could be fatal for your project. But I do advise to not exclusively focus on them. Think positive, open your eyes to special opportunities.

Sounds good, right? So you better start now: Continue reading →

The Six Simple Rules: 3. Be Kind to your Team

This article is part 3 of 6 of the series Six Simple Rules

Kind? Nice? Aren’t these terms wich better describe tea-room conversations and cocktail parties? But we are talking business here, are we not?

Yes, we are, and business can be tough. Still, you better keep in mind that without your team you are nothing.

So in brief: Be nice! Yes, you may be tough and an alpha wolf. It is you, who should be in charge. But do not use that as an excuse to be rude, overly blunt or even worse, unfair with your team – this would only reflect weak leadership. As a project manager you are in a key position. It is your duty, to get the best out of your team.

Of course I know not all teams are equally competent or efficient. But even if you are riding a weak horse, it is of no use whatsoever to beat it to death. Because then you would have to walk all the way on your own. Continue reading →