Project Management

Eye on the Workforce

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Workforce management is a key part of project success, but project managers often find it difficult to get trustworthy information on what really works. From interpersonal interactions to big workforce issues we'll look the latest research and proven techniques to find the most effective solutions for your projects.

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This Quick Clarification Can Bring Results

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There are things you can do within your project that have proven value to increase results. You can even leverage the proven Gallup organization’s “Q12”. The Q12 is a list of 12 questions that every organization needs to ask workers to ensure they are committed to the organization and giving 100% every day.
 
One question that is useful to your project is, “Do you know what is expected of you at work?” It’s a simple but insightful question. Ask this question of your workforce and you may be surprised at the answers. Large groups may be unclear at any time because of schedule changes, major design changes, corporate strategy announcements, internal IT organizational initiatives, and a host of other possibilities.
 
A more proactive move, however, would be for you to immediately clarify expectations at any significant change or announcement. This will keep everyone from questioning their efforts and becoming unfocused.
Posted on: September 08, 2008 07:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Lies, Damn Lies…and Resumes

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You can’t let up on the basics, even if you need extra time to do advanced work. Confirmation is now in that you must still check on the accuracy of resumes. 57% of IT industry employers reported that they have found lies on resumes. And I bet those are the ones who actually checked.
 
Don’t think the “exaggerations” have to be subtle. Here are some of my favorites from a list of wild lies turned in by resume checkers. Interviewees
  • Invented a school
  • Claimed to be a member of Mensa
  • Listed military experience dating back to before he was born
  • Included samples of work which the interviewer actually did
If you have recruiting function make sure they take time to check the details. No one to do it for you? Plan the time to do the work yourself, even if you can think of all kind of other priorities.
Posted on: September 01, 2008 11:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

How to Identify Spectacularly Unsuccessful People

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This is my favorite list of the year: “Traits of Spectacularly Unsuccessful People." It’s not of our interest here because you should beware of these traits in yourself. You should be aware of these traits in stakeholders and people you work for. I provide a few traits verbatim here to tweak your interest:
  • They identify so completely with the company that there is no clear boundary between their personal interests and corporate interests.
  • They seem to have all the answers, often dazzling people with the speed and decisiveness with which they can deal with challenging issues.
  • They make sure everyone is 100 percent behind them, ruthlessly eliminating anyone who might undermine them.
How many of you work with or for someone like this? Many, I’d wager.
Is there any hope for you? Dartmouth’s Finklestein, the author of the study, suggests, sadly, no. Evidently, the traits are too deeply embedded. My recommendation: Get Away. As fast as you can.
 
Read the rest of the list here (registration may be required).
Posted on: August 26, 2008 09:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Generation Y’s Psychological Beat Down

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We have two updates on Generation Y that will help manage this group in the workforce. Readers of this blog will recall that this generation has previously reported high demands of their workplace. They were expecting satisfying and challenging work, flexible hours and enjoyable co-workers. 
 
Evidently the harsh reality has hit them. Perhaps they are starting to “get” Dilbert. In any case, a recent survey (same as last post) finds that Generation Y now has the lowest expectations of the four generations. A BlessingWhite survey reports that the Millennials are the least engaged in the workforce. That’s a big turnaround in a short time.
 
As a project manager, you have more of a reason to organize mixed-generation work teams as described in the previous post. But also monitor the results to ensure the Gen Y workers are committed to the project and putting in their best effort each day.
Posted on: August 22, 2008 07:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

No Lack of Workers, Just Lack of Talent

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Faithful readers of this blog will remember that a chronic workers shortage in the U.S. is unlikely. But now we know what the real problem is when baby boomers finally leave the workforce gradually. Can you guess?
 
A. Generation Y workers will ignore what the Boomers try to teach them
B. Generation Y workers will not have been trained enough, so will not be able to perform
C. Generation X workers will not pass on what they learned from the Baby Boomers
D. None of the generations will pass on anything to each other at any time
 
The only choice that is even close to the truth is the last one. A recent study (registration required) finds that there is little interaction between the generations in the workforce. There does not have to be any formal training according to the researchers. They recommend that organizations facilitate the collaboration of multiple generations on projects.
 
Think long term. Make sure your workforce is developing - in your projects if you have to.
Posted on: August 19, 2008 09:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
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