Hi Reader,
Many project managers can face challenges as soon as they start a project.
Projects in a coffee shop
Recently, while stopping for coffee at Tim Hortons, or "Timmy’s" as we affectionately call it here in Canada, I overheard three individuals ahead of me in line discussing their work. Wearing hardhats and safety vests, it was obvious they worked in construction. One of them was carrying a couple rolls of architectural blueprints.
They talked about their newest project manager's slow progress on a big project. It appeared they had gone through at least four project managers on their large project, and comparisons with the previous PMs were not flattering. I eavesdropped on their conversation for a bit, pretending to look at my phone, until I had to leave for a meeting.
Complaining is draining
They did not discuss any of the project's actual deliverables. Instead, they focused on how long it was taking the new PM to set up their email, calendar, and locate accurate project documentation, which are all operational tasks rather than project management related. Any of these individuals, with what seemed like extensive experience at the company, could have assisted the new PM with these setup tasks.
They also mentioned how the new PM was unfamiliar with the company's personnel. This issue could have been easily resolved by providing an organizational chart or helping to quickly create a basic one if none existed.
Most importantly, any of these individuals could have simply invited their new PM to Timmy’s and offered to buy them a coffee and chat about project onboarding. This would have been much more efficient than sitting around, drinking coffee without them, and complaining.
As James Altucher says, “Complaining is draining. Complaining only takes away energy from today and never solves the problems for tomorrow.” Managing projects is about problem solving, not complaining about the problems that need to be solved.
Efficient project onboarding
If your company lacks organization and difficult team members, finding an effective project manager will be challenging. A skilled project manager can get up to speed quickly within only a few days, but they must be given proper support and guidance.
You might think you've found the right person, only for them to leave soon after due to operational barriers and difficult personalities that complicate their work.
Love your project manager
Some tips:
- Centralize initial project documentation by storing documents, contacts, emails, and graphics in one location, or provide a list of links to their locations.
- Set up technology tools well in advance to ensure a smooth onboarding.
- Assign a point person to help a new project manager transition into the project.
- Show your project manager some love! And in return, they will love your project.
Coffee shop learnings
This story offers two key lessons:
- Ensure your project manager is set up for success before they start a project. Provide resources such as introductory documentation, a list of key contacts, or better yet, overlap time with the outgoing project lead or someone else knowledgeable about the project. This enables us to dive into the project efficiently and quickly, which is where skilled project managers thrive.
- Be cautious when talking about project managers in public, as these conversations might be featured in an article on someone’s PM website! 😊
|
Barbara Kephart, PMP
Founder and Chief Project Officer
Projects Pivot
|
Recent Articles
The Paper Planner: Real life planning
Please share with your colleagues!