Leading projects, people and teams

Question 1

What are Governance structures?

Answer 1

It is a framework of project management regarding the roles, division of responsibilities and procedures to be followed

Question 2

What is effective communication?

Answer 2

It is the process of exchanging ideas, thoughts and opinions so that the message is received and understood with clarity and purpose

Question 3

What is effective leadership?

Answer 3

It is a person who takes responsibility for not just themselves but the entire group and has the ability to successfully influence and support the team.

A good leader, delegator, motivator and listener. Commitment, confidence, communicator.

Question 4

How do you motivate a team?

Answer 4

1. Set realistic goals within the brief
2. Engage in open lines of communication
3. Gurage teams performance and hold reviews providing feedback
4. Manage conflicts
5. Encouragement & recognition
6. Alignment to the common goal

Question 5

How to meeting minutes help you manage a team?

Answer 5

It lets me track actions, targets and keep team members accountable to timelines verbally agreed in meetings. They also provide a reference point if they ever need to be considered in a conflict.

Question 6

What are the three main processes available in resolving a dispute?

Answer 6

1. Negotiation - problem solving efforts by both parties
2. Mediation - A third party intervention which does not bind the parties to a decision but assists in resolving the difficulties
3. Adjudication - An outcome determined by a third party, such as litigation or arbitration

Question 7

What is Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs?

Answer 7

This is a model for understanding the motivations for human behaviour.

From the bottom of the hierarchy upwards, the needs are: physiological, safety, love and belonging, esteem and self- actualization. This five-stage model can be divided into deficiency needs and growth needs.

Question 8

In Maslow’s hierarchy what is ‘self actualisation’?

Answer 8

It is the desire to become the most one can be

Question 9

How do you implement Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs in a project team?

Answer 9

The model is split into deficiency needs and growth needs. Deficiency needs cover basic safety and physical needs. Where as growth needs cover esteem and belonging.

These factors through friendships, respect, recognition and freedom can be implemented when managing a team.

Question 10

What is Herzberg’s Motivation Hygiene theory?

Answer 10

The theory is that employee satisfaction is base on hygiene and motivation.

Hygiene factors include - salary and working conditions.
Motivation factors include - Achievement, responsibility and recognition.

Question 11

L2 - West End Cat B fitout - Key Open Items - What consultants were engaged?

Answer 11

1. Architect
2. MEP
3. Environmental
4. IT/AV
5. Smart
6. Landlord & Base build team

Question 12

How did the open items schedule help you managed the project?

Answer 12

1. It acted as a clear schedule and point in time for all parties to reference
2. It made consultants accountable
3. It provided a close out date and risk level
4. It highlighted some early warning items noting potential programme and cost items

Question 13

What items were included on the key open items schedule?

Answer 13

1. Base build delay
2. Base build coordination
3. IT/AV budget and scope
4. BREEAM & Well trackers
   5.TVRs
5. Biophilic design appointment

Question 14

L3 Lab fitout - What additional considerations were made given the project was a lab?

Answer 14

During the brief stage I ensured I reviewed the targets with the individual users and teams as each team had very specific requirements. There was also a much greater emphasis on MEPH features throughout the design not normally considered for an office such as air changes, pressure etc.

Question 15

What is included within an RFP?

Answer 15

1. background of the client
2. programme
3. scope requirement
4. Project brief if available
5. Existing building information

Question 16

L3 Architect selection - What categories were included in the architect scoring matrix?

Answer 16

1. Project understanding
2. Case Study relevance
3. Proposed team and time allocations
4. Fees
5. Cultural fit

Question 17

How do you create high performing teams on a project?

Answer 17

• Strategic objectives of the project are understood by all members of the team
• All team members understand the structure of the team and their role/responsibilities
• Workload is realistic, managed and morale is maintained
• Management control procedures are well understood
• KPIs are defined and monitored
  Communications strategy is effective

Question 18

What do you consider are the main differences between managing an internal and an external team?

Answer 18

Internal:

• Ability to influence the make-up of the internal team
• More visibility of internal team (workload, performance, issues)
• Internal escalation options
• Quality assurance understood by all
• May require less co-ordination
• Internal teams may prioritise other work

External:

• Contractual leverage (robust scope of service)
• Reputational leverage
• Harness skills not held internally
• Requires more co-ordination / communication

Question 19

What are key ways to improve collaboration in a team?

Answer 19

• Establish team goals
• Communicate expectations
• Encourage cohesion between team members
• Leverage team member’s strengths
• Recognise and encourage collaborative behaviour

Question 20

What are the different types of Leadership?

Answer 20

Usually 3 different types:

1) Authoritarian - Directing yourself
2) Democratic - Doing it with the team
3) Laissez-Faire - Hands off approach

Question 21

What is the difference between Management and Leadership?

Answer 21

• Management is about using established procedures and processes to administer the output of people.
• Leadership is about driving output through inspiring, motivating and providing direction.

Question 22

Would you include a risk register as part of the contract documents?

Answer 22

It would be issued as part of the tender documents for the contractor to review and respond to.

Within the tender return you would expect the contractor to then have made allowances to mitigate the risk. The risk register documents would not be a contract doc.

Question 23

What is a RACI Matrix

Answer 23

A RACI matrix is a simple, effective means for defining project roles and responsibilities, providing a comprehensive chart of who is responsible, accountable, consulted, and informed every step of the way.