SIGIA-L Mail Archives: SIGIA-L: RE: Project management
SIGIA-L: RE: Project management
From: Dornbush, Robert (Robert.Dornbush_at_xcellenet.com)
Date: Tue Jul 10 2001 - 10:08:33 EDT
I agree 100 % with the description of project management that Lynn Boyden
gave. I would like to add the additional descriptors that those with a
keen
ability to juggle many multiple responsibilities (while still taking
ownership of them all) will excel at the position. In addition to good
balancing skills, successful Project Management requires a person who is
good at effectively communicating with clients (both internal and
external).
>From my observation, those who can communicate the negative while
accentuating the positive (combined with superior juggling skills), are
destined to be the best Project Managers. Start from the corny concept
that
you (management) 'attract more flies with honey than with vinegar,' and
then
move on to we couldn't meet that deadline because of "blah," but we've
come
up with an alternative approach that will satisfy the requirement by "'x'
date."
The importance of this approach is obvious when dealing with external
clients (those paying for the job); however, it can be equally important
(although often overlooked) when managing internal development teams.
I imagine that there are those out there who believe a 'get out there and
kick some buts' Drill Sergeant approach is a more effective form of
project
management; however, I believe that when creative teams are treated with
respect they will be inclined to become more industrious - both out of a
sense of loyalty to the manager, and emerging from an atmosphere of
freedom.
I'm talking about the freedom to do one's job to the best of your ability
(not focus on a single task with blinders on). From a corporate culture
perspective, this 'freedom to do the job to the best of one's ability' is
far too often confused with the 'freedom' to dye one's hair purple, wear
blue jeans at the office, and shoot someone with a nerf gun (while wearing
a
nose ring), after eating free M & Ms
in the company break room.
Are you listening corporate America?...
...because it's time to wake up and smell the development coffee!
(which is clearly a dark roast such as French, Italian, or Espresso)
Robert E. Dornbush, Jr.
User Interface Architect - Afaria
Xcellenet, Inc.
robert.dornbush_at_xcellenet.com
678 585 7081
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