Keys to Project Leadership

It has been a busy start to the year.  I am taking on some new projects, which is exciting but has expanded my workload exponentially (and slowed down my blogging!)  These new opportunities have given me cause to reflect on how I approach project leadership.

Here are some of the strategies that have been helpful to me: 

None of us is as smart as all of us.  Creating a dynamic team provides the greatest opportunity to influence project success.  It is important to take the time to understand strengths, define roles, and key into the motivations that enable a thriving community.  This community then needs effective structures to succeed.  It is especially necessary to pay close attention to the design of meetings and communication processes so they maximize collaboration, growth, and innovation.

See the forest through the trees AND the devil is in the details.  A comprehensive understanding of the big picture is necessary to determining what success looks like and the ability to communicate this is vital to effective leadership.  However, at the same time, it is necessary to get into the details of a project to understand the parameters with a degree of precision to enable an effective design of work flow.  Successfully navigating the tension between these two important but different dynamics is essential to achieving project goals.

Roll with the punches.  New projects often do not run a linear course and it is important to accept that there will be ups and downs along the way.  There will be challenges, but what is important is how we respond to adversity.  If we can stay the course and overcome, those around us can gain strength and confidence.

Follow-through is everything.  This one can be challenging when juggling multiple priorities; but a culture of accountability is essential for the team to be effective.  It is important for common expectations of responsiveness to be baked into the design and modeled at all levels of leadership.

The future is bright.  Most importantly, it is critical to keep the vision at the forefront.  Why are we doing what we are doing and what is the outcome we are seeking?  The team should be able to connect all their actions back to the vision.  A fierce advocacy for the vision being achieved should be paramount in the culture. It is the vision that can serve as the fuel for everyone.  It enables focus and perseverance and common pursuit of an outcome.