PM: Keep the Train Rolling!

To ensure project success, in a timely and cost effective manner, the project manager (PM) must maintain momentum in each and every situation (meetings, conference calls, etc.). This is SO MUCH MORE than ensuring things are scheduled and discussions take place. The High Performance PM considers what the desired outcome is in each situation and then manages / drives the conversation accordingly, leaving nothing to chance.

For example…Instead of arriving at a meeting and asking the team “How would you like to address X?” the High Performance PM will (at a minimum) frame-up options and considerations with a recommendation based on what they’ve seen work (and not work) in other / similar situations.

And, being quite “directive and prescriptive,” they don’t ask permission to proceed in the recommended way. Instead, they ask the team if the considerations, options and recommendations make sense and/or if there are any questions, concerns or ideas to consider.

That is, they take the approach of putting up (at least) a skeleton model (with some meat on the bones) and working with the team to refine and complete the model. They are NOT concerned with perfection. What they are concerned with is moving the ball forward and doing so by providing something for the team to chew on. They do NOT put a team in the position of starting with a blank whiteboard, at ground zero.

While there are times when the blank whiteboard approach is appropriate, MANY project-related discussions can begin with a predefined framework to create and/or keep project momentum. Realize your team members are participating on your project as an “extra curricular activity” that is above and beyond their day job. When the High Performance PM pulls the team together, they ensure forward momentum occurs during every minute of every meeting!

When taking this approach we must demonstrate and communicate that there is NO pride in authorship. That is, if the skeleton model we proposed makes absolutely no sense to the team, we are prepared to tear it up and start over…

Said another way, we are a flexible force of nature who ensures the train keeps rolling!

In closing, if you are looking to improve PM performance in yourself or organization, feel free to reach out to discuss how I can help.

Click here to return to our topical index of articles on High Performance Project Management.