Christopher Global

Fundamental concerns and mistakes

Inexperienced project leaders rely on technology to drive project communication. Project members who are uncomfortable with elements of communication will turn to technology. Whether that be a technology-driven conversation or using technology to drive project status, it's two sides of the same coin. It may seem productive, but there are significant concerns about this management method.

First concern:

Technology does not manage projects. Interaction(s) manage projects. The technology is how you track projects. Get comfortable with this truth. As a project leader, you must always reanalyze two things, 1) Alignment and 2) Clarity. Are we aligned on where we are and what we need to do – without question?

Second concern:

Data will highlight where but does not communicate why. Legitimately, there are project tasks that are tradeoffs for others. You will naturally fall slightly behind as your team focuses on producing higher quality. That does not mean the project is in trouble. How can you communicate this cautionary effort in your status report? If a stakeholder not working on your project suddenly took interest, what picture would your status report paint for them – visually and contextually? If any information regarding your project status has the potential to be concerning, you haven't taken things to the next level.

Third concern:

Do not expect team members to move because you have had a briefing. Expect that you must always be the captain steering the ship. "What" and "how" are two critical pieces of information; "when" is another. As a project leader, you must always know the answer to "when" and drive that priority through your teams. Do not rely on email or technical conversation to drive this! Step forward and be the face of that deliverable and when it is due.

If you can build confidence and hone your communication style amidst these challenges, you'll greatly increase your results as a project leader.