High Performance Leadership

Do you enjoy project management? Projects provide us with all kinds of challenges (many of them associated with people) and all kinds of benefits. I spend much of my time facilitating project management workshops for people just starting out in their project management portfolio and sometimes they are doubtful as to the benefits. But the good stuff is there. Projects bring about change. Projects bring about growth. And, projects provide us with a perfect opportunity to grow as leaders -- because if we do not grow and learn we can scarcely complete the work in front of us. Every project gives you the opportunity to improve you and your world. Isn't that cool? -- Doug Smith

Have you ever had people on your team that didn't seem to belong there? For whatever reasons, they seemed unhappy and discontent. Despite your best efforts to engage them, they didn't quite connect and in fact stubbornly resisted connecting. Most teams get some reluctant team members. Effective teams do something about it. It's an act of kindness to help reluctant team members either move forward or move on. Sometimes moving on is the best thing for them. It even strengthens your team. It's not something you do casually or without compassion. It's something you do carefully and intentionally. But sometimes it has to be done. HOW TO TELL IF SOMEONE IS CONNECTED ON YOUR TEAM - Do they participate enthusiastically at team meetings? - Do they come up with new ideas? - Do they support the ideas of others? - Do they support and exemplify your team's values? - Do they work to support your team's vision? - Are they helping your team to meet it's goals? - Do the...

What happens to your project team as your project gets closer to the deadline? Does it gain momentum? Does it play fast and enthusiastically toward the goal? High performance leaders do not assume that a project team will remain cohesive thru the project and beyond. They could get distracted. Resources could dry up. Technology could break down. Relationships could strain or get muddled. What's a leader to do? Increase the level of communication. Drive deeper, more meaningful conversations to see how everyone is doing. Keep team meetings focused and on task. Reward people for progress made -- but don't forget anyone. Singling out top performers at the expense of those carrying the bulk of the load can backfire. T here's much that a high performance leader can do to keep a project team fast AND friendly. What would you do? -- Douglas Brent Smith http://frontrangeleadership.com