Leading projects, people and teams

Question 1

How do you create high performing teams on a project?

Answer 1

• 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 2

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

Answer 2

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 3

What are key ways to improve collaboration in a team?

Answer 3

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

Question 4

What are the characteristics of a successful leader?

Answer 4

1) Able to think and act strategically
2) Positively influences others - morale, emotionally
3) Decisive decision-maker
4) Strong negotiator and communicator
5) Good listener
6) Leads by example

Question 5

What attributes does a successful project manager need?

Answer 5

1) Problem solving
2) Organisation
3) Communication
4) Stakeholder management (transactional)
5) Ability to create strong team relationships
6) Broad construction knowledge through experience and training

Question 6

What is Hertzberg’s theory of motivation?

Answer 6

• Extrinsic motivators: status, job security, salary, benefits.
• Intrinsic: challenging work, recognition, relationships and growth potential.
• Extrinsic are expected so cause dissatisfaction if absent. Intrinsic can provide extra motivation.

Question 7

What is McGregor’s theory of motivation?

Answer 7

Theory X - If you believe that your team members dislike their work and have little motivation, then, you’ll likely use an authoritarian style of management.

Theory Y - If you believe that your team members take pride in their work and see it as a challenge, they you’ll more likely adopt a participative management style - managers who use this approach trust their people to take ownership of their work and do it effectively by themselves.

Question 8

What are the different types of Leadership?

Answer 8

Usually 3 different types:

1) Authoritarian - Directing yourself
2) Democratic - Doing it with the team
3) Laissez-Faire - Not caring

Question 9

What is the difference between Management and Leadership?

Answer 9

• 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 10

What are the responsibilities of project managers vs project leaders?

Answer 10

Project managers:

• Implement project strategy
• Define and manage project schedule
• Stakeholder management
• Management of detailed project delivery

Project leader:

• Set project strategy
• Create a vision and provide team with purpose and motivation
• Communication and connecting daily tasks to larger goals
• Upward / outward stakeholder engagement
• Offering emotional support to help team stay focused
• Fostering workplace atmosphere that brings out best in team