Control Techniques for the Workforce: Dealing With The Unsaid

Project control is more than tracking objective measures and responding when they are not hitting desired targets, especially when it comes to managing the workforce. Control is attained by using techniques designed to get workers onboard and keep them there. According to the JPACE project management process, there are four Control sub-processes--two of which connect closely to workforce management:

• Assign project tasks
• Motivate participants

Using effective techniques in these areas is crucial to attaining the control you dream about.

Assign Project Tasks: Techniques to Attain Control Early
The earlier you institute control measures, the more problems you can avoid later.

Start with clarity. Unless something happens to tell them otherwise, workers will file in to a new project like middle schools students. At first they have the glow of new supplies and new opportunities for high grades, but they soon fall into the vagaries of the daily routine with their old habits and interactions. So surprise workers out of this rut by smashing their obsolete expectations. For example:

• If they think standard templates and procedures can be skipped as in previous projects, be clear that their use will be monitored in your project.
• If they think delays experienced in previous projects are acceptable, be clear that monitoring is designed to keep …