Author Interview: First Among Equals

Joe Wynne is a versatile Project Manager experienced in delivering medium-scope projects in large organizations that improve workforce performance and business processes. He has a proven track record of delivering effective, technology-savvy solutions in a variety of industries and a unique combination of strengths in both process management and workforce management.

 

Q. What are some key issues that those who manage groups of professionals must address?

McKenna/Maister: Most knowledge workers and professionals, by their nature, are highly educated, energetic, autonomous individuals used to working independently. They want little by way of formal organization, and certainly detest anything that resembles managing. The leader has the challenge of helping these people understand what can be accomplished by working together; helping them appreciate why the group exists; where it is going; what the group is trying to accomplish; and perhaps most fundamental, what is in if for each individual member of the group to participate and invest their time.

There are three categories of issues: (a) clarifying the group leader's role, rights and responsibilities; (b) building one-to-one relationships with each professional in the group (which may mean learning to deal with people of widely differing styles and experiences); and (c) forging independent, autonomous people into a functioning team.

In the area of role-clarification, group leaders often ask us, "How do I actually manage a group of talented professionals with different skills, diverse experiences, a variety of work styles…

Please log in or sign up below to read the rest of the article.