Archive for the ‘Human Resource Management’ Category
Tip of the Month – February 2011 – Ask good, probing questions.
Wednesday, February 9th, 2011
Most people who know me know that I try to ask very good questions…probing questions…questions that try and drive out a good understanding of an issue and its root cause so that it can be solved. So you can imagine my surprise when a manager at one of my client organizations said to me, “Don’t ask questions in meetings.” I was devastated. This manager’s rationale was that asking questions would cause meetings to run longer. I remember when I was doing undergrad internships at a prestigious medical center, the philosophy was “dumb questions are easier to address than dumb mistakes.” I have always tried to heed this advice, except I always try to ask good questions, not dumb ones.
Needless to say, this manager and I disagree, but the client is the client. You must adapt to the client’s culture. I believe as a program and/or project leader you need to ask many good and probing questions. If you do not ask questions, I find that you often find out too late about an issue (or the root cause of an issue) to “fix it,” so the issue does not negatively impact your program (i.e., cost, schedule, or quality).
If you find yourself in a similar situation, sit down with the manager and try to understand his or her rationale for taking a particular position. In some cases, it may be valid. In other cases, the manager may understand your perspective or offer another approach to get the information needed to address the issue(s).
You need to be a leader. You need to lead your program to a successful outcome. You need to understand the issues and get the issues solved quickly. You need to solve the issues so your programs can be successful. Good probing questions will simplify your life as a program/project leader. I know it has for me.
Posted in Communications Management, Human Resource Management, Issue Management, Leadership, Monitoring & Controlling Process, Portfolio Leadership, Program Leadership, Project Leadership, Tip of the Month | No Comments »
Human Resource Management – Do the best resources want to be on your team?
Monday, December 14th, 2009
Challenge
The Project Management Institute’s (PMI) A Guide to The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), Third Addition describes the Human Resource (HR) Management includes “ the processes that organize and manage the project team” (p.199).
Every Program and Project Leader wants the best resources on their program/project. Until the physics of HR changes so that everyone can be everywhere at the same time, the Program and/or Project leader will not get 100% of the resources they want on the initiative. What is the next best thing? From my perspective, it is creating an environment where 1) you develop your resources into the best people and 2) the best people want to be on your team.
Helpful Hints
* Recognize your Team – When was the last time you recognized your team and individual team members for a job well done? Many Program and Project Leaders never say “Thank You”. Practice saying “Thank You” to your team members when they deserve thanks! * Reward your Team – Many Program and Project Leaders don’t recognize their team with awards or, mementos for a job well done. As you plan out funding for your program or, project, allocate some funding to recognize and thank your team (during key milestones or, at the end of the initiative). You will be surprised how appreciative your team members are and their desire to be on one of your next programs/projects.
Ira M. Hendon, PMP® President and CEO Hendon Group, Inc.
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