Damian PereraMonitoring & Evaluation Specialist| ChrysalisMellawagedara, Western Province, Sri Lanka
'There are numerous forms of power at the disposal of project managers. Power and its use can be complex given its nature and various factors at play in a project.'
Power enables the project managers to get things done in projects. But the misuse of power can bring negative results. How effectively project managers should use power in projects? What factors should be taken into consideration when power is used by project managers? Saving Changes...
RAJESH K LProject Manager, PMP| Bharat Electronics, Bengaluru, IndiaBengaluru, Karnataka, India
PM authority shall drive the decisions and all concerned stakeholders to be informed or taken into confidence for the decision to be effectively implemented. Saving Changes...
Paulo RoqueChartered Civil Engineer, PMP| BECHTELSetubal, Portugal
The Project Manager's authority is better perceived by the project team depending on how effective leadership and management are balanced in order to get things done.
I've learned from my mentors that the leadership style lays on being Mission focused, Values based, Diversity and Inclusion driven and Competency and Creativity oriented.
The Project Manager's authority imposes itself naturally, making everyone work as a team in order to capitalizing on each one’s strengths, taking time to share knowledge with the team, keeping everyone informed about the project’s initiatives in order to enable a clear understanding of the team’s mission, allowing for a buy-in achievement and leading to a better performing results.
The Project Manager's authority reveals itself every time he takes the best of everyone from his team.
And always remember that ”The Leader of the past tells and the Leader of the future asks” Saving Changes...
Use the least invasive - think expert or referent - and the least amount of power necessary to effect the desired outcome.
I completely agree. Use the power to the extent it is useful to bring the solution, and remember, a PM needs to have a good network and team rapport, so don't burn bridges or cause inter-personal conflicts because of using the power. PMs are expected to be solution providers and not problem finders. Keeping these in mind will help the PM in performing a great PM role. Saving Changes...
Tamer Zeyad SadiqAssistant Cost Manager| Turner & TownsendRiyadh, Ar Riyad, Saudi Arabia
I think we can use Need motivation theory by David McClelland theory. It will be applicable for need of power!! Saving Changes...
Michael DelaneyPartner| Delaney Management LLCWest Chester, Pa, United States
I agree authority is better description and that it is mostly earned through good leadership and communication. Saving Changes...
Damian PereraMonitoring & Evaluation Specialist| ChrysalisMellawagedara, Western Province, Sri Lanka
Oct 14, 2018 7:20 PM
Replying to Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
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Power is probably not the correct term. Authority is better.
According to PMBOK Guide 6th Edition (page 63), there are numerous forms of power at the disposal of project managers. Various forms of power include: positional, informational, referent, situational, personal or charismatic, relational, expert, reward-oriented, punitive, ingratiating, pressure-based, guilt-based, persuasive and avoiding.
Authority is defined in PMBOK as the right to apply project resources, expend funds, make decisions or give approvals.
Power may be defined the capacity or ability to direct or influence the behaviour of others or the course of events.
I think both the terms (power and authority) can be used.
I like how PMBOK concludes this section on 'Politics, power and getting things done''
"Top project managers are proactive and intentional when it comes to power. These project managers will work to acquire the power and authority they need within the boundaries of organizational policies, protocols, and procedures rather than wait it to be granted" Saving Changes...
