Domain People : Task 2 Lead a team
Task 2 Lead a team
-Set a clear vision and mission
– Support diversity and inclusion (e.g., behavior types, thought process)
– Value servant leadership (e.g., relate the tenets of servant leadership to the team)
– Determine an appropriate leadership style (e.g., directive, collaborative)
– Inspire, motivate, and influence team members/stakeholders (e.g., team contract,
social contract, reward system)
– Analyze team members and stakeholders’ influence
– Distinguish various options to lead various team members and stakeholders
Project management is not just about processes and schedules; it’s significantly about leading and inspiring a team. This aspect covers a significant portion (42%) of the people domain in project management, particularly in the context of PMP (Project Management Professional) certification.
Understanding Leadership in Project Management
Leadership in project management is defined by various principles that guide a project manager’s behavior and decisions. These principles highlight the need to be a diligent, respectful, and caring steward, pointing towards servant leadership. This approach emphasizes empathy towards team members and stakeholders, focusing on long-term relationships rather than transactional ones. Creating a collaborative team environment is another key aspect, where the project manager develops and mentors team members to foster a supportive project delivery environment.
Leadership vs. Management
A project manager must balance both leadership and management skills. The PMP exam content outline suggests a greater emphasis on leadership behaviors, such as influencing and inspiring people, as opposed to management, which focuses more on processes and monitoring. Leadership is about setting the right direction, while management involves following the defined path. Effective project management requires a combination of both, ensuring the right goals are set and the path to achieving them is efficiently managed.
Setting a Clear Mission and Vision
A critical leadership task involves setting a clear mission and vision for the team, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. This vision should be shared by all stakeholders and team members, serving as a guide for all project-related activities. The project manager’s role extends beyond formulating this vision; it involves communicating it effectively to inspire and motivate the team.
Empowering and Building the Team
After establishing the vision, the focus shifts to building the team’s capability. This involves empowering the team, supporting team-building activities, and fostering a sense of ownership. Engaging team members in decision-making processes and creating an environment of trust are vital. Moreover, promoting diversity and inclusiveness is essential for generating creative solutions and mitigating future risks.
Inspiring, Motivating, and Influencing Team Members
The project manager must inspire, motivate, and influence team members. This involves understanding different motivational factors and tailoring approaches to individual needs, which can range from providing a sense of achievement to recognizing monetary rewards. Developing a reward and recognition system that is transparent and aligns with the project goals is crucial.
Applying Appropriate Leadership Styles
Different situations may require different leadership styles. While servant leadership is generally preferred, directive, consultative, collaborative, and situational leadership styles may be more appropriate in certain contexts. Tailoring the leadership approach based on the team’s development stage and individual team members’ personalities is crucial for effective project management.
Analyzing Team Members and Stakeholder Influence
A project manager must also understand the political dynamics within the team and among stakeholders. This involves recognizing individuals who can influence decisions at various levels – upward, downward, sideward, and outward. Using these influences for the project’s benefit is a key leadership skill.
Adapting Leadership Approach
Finally, a project manager should be adaptable, empathetic, and emotionally intelligent. This includes being transparent in dealings with people and varying motivational and work styles as per the situation. This adaptability ensures that the project manager can effectively lead the team towards achieving the project objectives.
In conclusion, leading a team effectively is a multifaceted task in project management. It requires a balance of leadership and management skills, an understanding of team dynamics, and the ability to adapt to different situations and individual needs. This approach not only enhances the project’s chance of success but also contributes to the personal and professional growth of the team members.
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