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...
Such type of powers might be obtained from the organization's policies and procedures and code of company(organization).
BR,
Mansour Saving Changes...
John A. WilliamsOwner| JAW Consultancy | The PragmaticionerNootdorp, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands
In the book I'm writing around the topic of pragmatic leadership, I address the phenomena of power extensively. Power as an instrument of political acting. In short, handling power as a PM is about:
1. Using your own power
2. Responding to the power of others
3. Delegating power to others
4. Mobilizing the power of others
Handling power is certainly a core activity of a PM where it comes to balancing power and trust.
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1 reply by Damian Perera
Oct 14, 2018 12:17 PM
Damian Perera
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Thanks John & certainly agree with you that handling power is a core activity of a PM.
Saving Changes...
Damian PereraMonitoring & Evaluation Specialist| ChrysalisMellawagedara, Western Province, Sri Lanka
Oct 14, 2018 12:03 PM
Replying to John A. Williams
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In the book I'm writing around the topic of pragmatic leadership, I address the phenomena of power extensively. Power as an instrument of political acting. In short, handling power as a PM is about:
1. Using your own power
2. Responding to the power of others
3. Delegating power to others
4. Mobilizing the power of others
Handling power is certainly a core activity of a PM where it comes to balancing power and trust.
Thanks John & certainly agree with you that handling power is a core activity of a PM. Saving Changes...
As per Uncle Ben, with great power comes great responsibility. Whether it's formal or any of the other types of power a PM possesses, they should always use it in the best interests of their organization and the project's goals and question its usage when it could be perceived they are using it to further their own ends.
Power is probably not the correct term. Authority is better.
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1 reply by Damian Perera
Oct 15, 2018 10:30 AM
Damian Perera
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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"
Use the least invasive - think expert or referent - and the least amount of power necessary to effect the desired outcome.
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1 reply by Maria Lekha Johnson
Oct 15, 2018 5:55 AM
Maria Lekha Johnson
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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...
Henry HattenrathProject Consultant| Tectonic Engineering MSA LLCNew York, Ny, United States
Power is a nebulous term and it is not usually contained in business documents. However, Authority is a term that is contained in business documents with details and levels for decision making and for investing business finances.
A PMs power and authority is best acquired through respect by team members and business executives, and it is the result of exception teamwork, superior management skills, complete knowledge of the business and its processes, and the demonstrated ability to contribute equally to work product to achieve success on the project. Saving Changes...
Subhash SharmaProject Management Consultant| Free LancerPanchkula, Haryana, India
While exercising Power/Authority by PM, the following points may be considered:
1. Organisational Interests
2. Welfare of Team members
3. Motivate others by displaying professionalism
4. Forgiveness
5. Create conducive environment Saving Changes...
Stelian ROMANProject Manager| MicroSafetyCarlingford, New South Wales, Australia
I agree with Sante: power is the wrong term. Authority is a more appropriate terminology. Authority can be based on respect and respect is earned not imposed.
Power will always be abused. Most of the famous dictators started as freedom fighters.
Agile is a fight against PM's 'power' focusing on influencing rather than command and control for a very good reason.
Each project require some level of command and control. The PM must find the balance. Saving Changes...
