Respect the Driver

Now I have mentioned before that I drive a lot and when I am out in my Saab Aero convertible (Chilli red) I am a happy man. The old lady is getting on a bit now but still moves well and is oh so comfortable – roof up or down.

The other day I had to do a long journey in my other car, a large 4×4 Nissan, and oh what a difference. I didn’t drive any different, no slower (and for sure no faster) than usual but after an hour on the road I was amazed at how many times I had been flashed by other cars to move over. This rarely happens in the Saab and I could only conclude that, in the 4×4, I was respected less, less was expected of me (speed wise), and that I would meekly move over when flashed to allow the other car (a significant number of BMWs I noted) past.

I talk in my book The Lazy Project Manager about that magical moment when you pick up a new project and the importance of perception of you, as the project manager, in those early project moments.

Typically when a project manager arrives at the start of a brand shiny new project then they will enter a point in time that is full of peace and love and general wellbeing between all parties involved. The sales cycle will be out of the way, if external suppliers are involved, the celebration parties will still be fond memories with people enthusiastically sharing embarrassing photographs on intranet sites, and everyone will believe that this is going to be a fantastic success with riches for all involved just around the corner. This project will be different from all the other projects.

Chaos reports will be relegated to waste bins and the world will be a smiley happy one with optimism abounding.

But we all know the reality of project history and the typical phases that projects experience:

• Enthusiasm
• Total Confusion
• Disillusionment
• Search for the Guilty
• Punishment of the Innocent
• Reward and Promotion of the Non-participants

It is at this point that the project can be won or lost for a project manager because it is now, and only now, that they will have to opportunity to drive and structure the project the way they want to.

It is important to let everyone know that you have arrived and that you demand that things are done your way, the right way, the way that is best for the project. Equally it is important that you educate your project team on why this is required and what the benefits are in working your way – for them, for you and for the project.

So, whatever car you actually drive, let your new project team know that you are the driver of this project and you know exactly where you are going. Be respected.

Tags: Benefits, PMO, Project, Project Management Office, Project Manager