#projectmanagement #leadership #projectmanagers
Many a times we find ourselves taking over project started by someone else. No matter the reason, we always need to ensure we handle this careful.
Any time key personnel in a project are changed it can cause major rifts and definitely unrest. At times it may even cause even fear. Hence it is important to handle this situation carefully and with emotional intelligence.
Here are a few tips:
- Be gentle
- Listen to the individual team members. Really listen, listen to understand
- Take time to engage each team member individually & meet each stakeholder
- Build meaningful relationships with each
- Don’t go ready to change every thing – if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it
- Spend time getting to know the corporate culture and the project team culture
- Look at any documents and artifacts that have been prepared, make sure they are updated
- Ask questions to understand how things have been done
- Do a lessons learned and / or ask for pain points
- Ensure you do site visits as early as possible if applicable
- Include some team building exercises so that the team gets to know you
Take it slow, the team needs to get to know you and you need to get to know them. Then build up momentum slowly.
The Key
Key is to make the change as gentle as possible for the team. Include them in what you are doing. Ask for their input. Then draw them out so that you can really hear their concerns. This will help you build the relationships you will need.
If you follow the steps mentioned above one after the other as applicable you will quickly win the team over and have a great start into the new project. While doing all this, remain positive and try to have some fun together with the team as well.
Use your emotional intelligence and your relationship intelligence to show true leadership