Avoiding People Issues
By Russ Finney
Managing your Manager
As you are working with the project manager, ask yourself these questions in order to get a better insight into his or her management style:
- What are the high level team objectives from the project manager's perspective?
- What are the project manager's performance expectations?
- Does the project manager welcome conferring with subordinate team members?
- Does the project manager accept feedback graciously?
- What practices tend to be disliked by the project manager?
Disagreeing with your Manager
If you find needing to disagree with the project manager, work through the following process in order to make the discussion more effective:
- Think through your position completely.
- Discover the merits of the project manager's position.
- Express doubt in the form of a question.
- Suggest alternatives or improvements.
- Signal your compliance with the decision.
Reviewing Other Peoples Work
One of the most sensitive, and potentially the most rewarding, aspects of being in a system building leadership role, is the opportunity to supervise others.
- Give proper recognition.
- Listen to problems and suggestions.
- Be sensitive to the human side.
- Maintain a learning environment.
- Be a positive motivator.
- Assist others in reaching their full potential.
- Solicit opinions and feedback before making decisions.
- Act promptly on administrative matters.
Copyright © 1999, Russ Finney, All Rights Reserved