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Archives for July 2020

Why Do Doctors Wear White Coats?

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So, why do doctors wear white coats?

The real answer isn’t a punchline.

A white coat is a visual indication of position and credibility. Patients know exactly who they are speaking with and what to expect from them.

Wearing a stethoscope around their neck gives a similar impression, even if the doctor doesn’t use it!

Whether seeing a doctor in a white coat causes you to feel relieved or anxious, our response is automatic.

For a business example, when an executive walks into a conference room, they give off signals as to their position. It’s usually subtle – walking with confidence or simply where they choose to sit.

I’ve always thought it interesting that, even if they have a laptop with them, an executive usually doesn’t open it. They sit back, ask questions, and listen. Everyone else has their computer open and paper & pen at the ready. Talk about an indicator of authority!

So my question for you this is: how do you convey your position and authority as a Project Manager?

Why do I ask?

Because some of your stakeholders, and even some folks on your team, aren’t familiar with what your role entails. You can’t spend every day explaining what you’re doing and why you’re doing it, just to get them to respond to your questions and requests.

Think about the best Project Manager you’ve ever worked with. How did they act, talk, dress, and walk into a room? Where did they sit? (Personally, I always sit in the middle. It puts me in the center of the team…and it’s near the cord for the projector!)

On a conference call, how would a great PM open it up? How would they facilitate the meeting?

Emulate these techniques. And use them intentionally to convey your position and authority without needing to explain and defend your role over and over.

Sticky Note or Video On?

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Be honest – how many of you have a sticky note covering the camera on your laptop?

Even if you don’t, I’ll bet half your team does…or wishes they could!

My husband is one of those “sticky note” people. I got used to being “video on” during meetings. It’s 2nd nature to our kids!

So what’s going on? Why do some of us prefer video on, and some can’t stand it?

Some of it is personality based. But part of the difference is generational.

If you’re not familiar with generational preferences, let me explain what I’m talking about.

I attended a project management presentation a few years ago on communication between the generations. I always knew that people in different age groups sometimes struggle to communicate with each other…I just didn’t know why.

This speaker taught us that not only is it the technology that shapes each generation’s communication style and preference, but the social norms, political environment, and economic realities during our formative years.

A really high level overview of the impact on generational attitudes toward work and career:

  • Baby Boomers grew up in the post-war era that supported both economic and population growth. They expect, and were rewarded for, hard work, loyalty, and following the direction of management
  • GenX was the first to have widespread 2-income households, plus economic unrest, so they tend to overwork and worry about job security
  • Millennials were shaped by 9/11 and value freedom and family over job security. They don’t expect loyalty from their employer
  • Gen Z grew up with absolute access to technology and doesn’t know what life was like before 9/11 – they live on-line and accept the security risks (and mitigations) as part of life

When you are leading your project, you’ll likely have people representing all 4 generations. And each reacts to your leadership in different ways.

For example, if you’re a new PM working with folks who have been with the same company for their entire career, it might be a struggle for them to take direction from someone who may be the youngest team member.

On the other hand, if you are a seasoned PM and your team has a lot of brand new college graduates, they may view your role as too dictatorial.

How do we work together?

The next time you have a meeting, consider not just what your message is, but how you are conveying it. If you find it difficult to reach a particular stakeholder, maybe it’s a simple generational-mismatch.

Once you know this, you can learn how to adapt. Because clear communication leads to success for both your project – and you!

…and remember that not everyone is comfortable being on camera, no matter how easy it is these days.

SQUIRREL!

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Do you remember the talking dog from the movie “Up”?

His name is Dug. (No letter “o”. Really! Need proof? Click here).

Dug was great – loyal, loving, and smart! But every once in a while….SQUIRREL!

He was effective until he got distracted.

We can be the same way. Project Managers have a ton of data to track – and we have 15 different variations of that data to report on to 10 different groups.

Plus, we need to track both time and impact of what each member of our team is working on while ensuring it is visible to them, their department, and across the organization!

We’re always looking for ways to make our jobs just a bit easier, and communication a little more efficient.

It’s so easy to act like Dug – jumping from one tool to the next. We start using one, get stuck, and try another that looks promising. Or the company decides to change the project metrics they need, and what we’re using can’t easily provide it for us…so we hunt for the next great solution.

We call this “shiny object syndrome” …and it can cost you more time than it saves.

Changing tools is not a bad thing, but my recommendation is to use 1 tool for the duration of a project. You can always pick another tool for the next project.

And although you could use any tool on the market, there is typically one main tool the company uses as standard, and it does 80% of the job. Use it. You’ll save yourself some major headaches!

Are you like Dug? Or have you mastered 1 tool that no once could pry away from you?

Soup to Nuts?or Hors d’Ouevres to Mignardise

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I have a question for you: have you ever been at one of those fancy “12 Course Meal” restaurants?

A lot of us are so busy we throw together a quick dinner with everything served on the same plate, skipping the green beans because it would take too long and it’s too much effort.

Although we’re “fed”, we may not feel satisfied, and we aren’t getting the nutrients we need to stay healthy!

But think about that 12-course meal for a moment. It’s fascinating! The point is not just to fill your belly, but to let you experience the meal with all your senses, and each course builds upon the last – it’s a journey, not a destination. ?and they don’t skimp on the veggies!

The chef paints a complete picture – each course is an element essential to the whole. One that provides both experience and nutrition.

Often, our team members are hyper-focused on their own work. They are so deep in the weeds that they lose sight of what?s around them. They don?t see how they fit into the project as a whole, or how important it is to connect with the rest of the team.

Part of our role as Project Manager is to help the team step back and see the larger picture.

Here are 3 suggestions to help your people think beyond their box:

  • End to Ends: if your project is process-oriented, have the team members get together to run through a critical process (*warning: this can be really bumpy!)
  • Cross-Training: this is good practice anyway, but terrific for understanding how we’re all part of a whole
  • Introduce Errors: similar to End to Ends, have someone make a mistake in the first step of a process and see how it impacts everyone else

Your team will work better – and more effectively – if they pick up their head every once in a while. The way you help them do that is only limited by your imagination. Maybe you can paint them a picture with some fancy food!

Speaking of fancy, here’s an article that explains what goes into each course in that 12-course meal you just volunteered to make: https://www.webstaurantstore.com/blog/2578/full-course-meal.html


Stay safe, stay healthy – and lead on!
Amy

PS ? I sent this post to my dad, who happens to be an amazing leader. Here’s what he said: “Your mother never skips the green beans. As far as working as a team, take time to celebrate everyone’s talent or contribution.”
Wise words from a wise man!