Good day to all of you readers!

This is the "March/April" newsletter, and as you can see, it's going out well into the month of April. The reason? I have been busy - working AND developing a new "addition" to the services I am currently offering. Stay tuned to hear more about this in the near future.

In the meantime, the recession continues. OR should I say, the OPPORTUNITY to do things differently continues! How are you all doing with the theme of "doing LESS with LESS" exceptionally well? - the theme of my last message to you?

It often takes time to get everyone on the bandwagon to CHANGE how we do things. And  sometimes, after different degrees of deliberation, we just have to take a deep breath and take that BIG LEAP into what might feel like the abyss. AND know that change is good! (make it your new mantra!). Know that order ALWAYS comes out of chaos, so keep the faith. AND the bottom line is, NO ONE can afford to "rest on their laurels" in the current economy.

For that reason, I am extending my "economic stimulus" offer (facilitating strategic and project planning sessions at a reduced rate) thru the end of May 2009 (to sign up). So you still have time for to "kick-start" get your business, department or project(s) at an extremely reasonable rate. Click here to check out the details and call or email me for even more detailed information. I'll travel anywhere!! ☺

The topic for this newsletter is DELEGATION!

Happy Spring! Enjoy the elongating days...

Susan

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Project Management World

The Problem...

DELEGATION or JUST DO IT?

For many Project Managers, especially those who come out of individual contributor roles, the art of "getting team members to do what you want them to," especially when they don't report to you, is usually much harder than expected. Let's address this issue, as always, from 3 levels in the organization.

Scroll down to see the solution from all three perspectives or jump to the Senior Management, Project Manager, or Team Member perspective.

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The Solution...

From the Project Manager Perspective...

Many Project Managers actually use the style of TELLING people what to do. Like you know best! And that you have the clout to tell them! And what do you do if they don't?

I want to suggest something here...can you TRY actually having them VOLUNTEER for the work? By ASKING rather than TELLING them?

Using some form of a Resource Matrix (basically a chart with all the tasks on the left side of the page and all the team members names on the top of the page), go down the lists of task, task by task and ask the open-ended question "Who is going to work on Task X?" -- then document who signed up. While you are at it, let them estimate the number of hours of WORK the task entails and how long it will take (Duration - "calendar time") to complete it.

Go down the list task by task. Using an EXCEL spreadsheet works well. Buy a pizza, make it a team effort! Remember, "participation builds commitment!!"

And of course LET GO of control. Manage the TEAM that is executing the project. Develop THEM, and by virtue of that, YOUR delegation and team development skills!

(NOTE: The Resource Matrix is also sometimes called the Linear Responsibility Chart (LRC), The Resource Assignment Matrix (RAM), the Responsibility Chart. Most basic Project Management books include one...and each has their own legend to depict what level of involvement with the task each person signing up takes on. (If you want me to send you a sample copy, let me know!).

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From the Team Member Perspective...

This is what you need to know when working on a task on a project:

1. WHAT is the task?
2. What is the QUALITY level needed/expected?
3. WHEN is it due?
4. HOW LONG do I need to do it?
5. WHO, besides me, will be working on this task?
6. HOW OFTEN do I update the Project Manager on status?
7. WHAT do I do if a problem arises?

If your Project Manager knows how to facilitate the planning of the Project Implementation Plan, the first 5 questions would be answered as a result of that work. The final two should be a discussion with the Project Manager. AND if you did NOT participate in the planning of the project (for whatever reason), make sure you take the time to SET EXPECTATIONS by agreeing on the answers to the above questions with the Project Manager as early as possible to minimize misunderstandings later on in the project.

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Where is Susan?

Want to meet?

May 10-13, 2009: Newport Beach, CA
May 17-20, 2009: Las Vegas, NV
May 21-25, 2009: Denver/Colorado Springs, CO

June 1-3, 2009: Dallas, TX

July 28-31, 2009: San Francisco, CA