We are all interested in developing our project management style. Over the years I’ve chosen different tactics depending on the project and have noticed a pendulum swing on the industry. The industry is divided between 2 extremes on the Project Management Scale.
On one side of the spectrum there are what I refer to as “Court Reporter” PMs that will write everything down and hear every word.
All their documentation is pristine. When the project goes bad they know exactly who said what on what day and time and who is to blame. This type of PM typically will not steer the ship or help the team resolve issues. They are not very good at uncovering a disconnect.
On the other end of the spectrum you have what I refer to as “Director” PMs. Director PMs will also listen intently but they seem to do a few key things different…
- They ask probing questions to dig through the status report.
- They challenge the course when an approach clearly will not work for a team.
- They will ask for ways to improve the circumstance the team find themselves in.
- They are creative and engage the business in problem solving.
- They realize the project must meet the Business Case.
I have personally found a project will be more successful with Director Project Managers.
Use the comment section below to share your style.
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Ron is a Project Manager and occasional blogger with Chalder Consulting Inc. www.chalder.ca
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/rondsmith
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