Wade HarshmanScrum Master| GDITIndianapolis, In, United States
To clarify, I'm not talking about "team" meetings. I'm asking about discussions between 2-4 members of your project team, or perhaps 1-2 people on your team with 1-2 people outside your team. The PM may or may not even be a part of these discussions, but is asked to schedule them.
There are valid reasons why the PM might be the person who arranges these discussions, and there are valid reasons why the PM might refuse. I'm interested to read your answers. Saving Changes...
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Paul SavelevSenior Project Manager| CARIADIngolstadt, Germany
Might be, when this is related to discussion on subject which might make impact on project (team, stakeholders, "politics", whatever). At least when I'm asked - I get some understanding on subject or why it is needed before making that. If I've got your question in the right way. Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Sometimes when it is a contractual issue, we do facilitate meetings between suppliers and our procurement / contract departments when it involves high level management. The presence of the contacts manager in this case suffice and there is no need for the PM to be present unless specifically asked for. Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
I´m not schedule the meeting but I participate in the meeting if people think it adds value.No matter I schedule the meeting or not the time of the meeting is considered into the project time and meetings are prepared in advance, are not "just talking" meetings. Saving Changes...
Often people think of a PM as someone who does all the administrative tasks on a project that nobody else can be bothered to do, like schedule meetings for others, or run the computer at meetings they're not otherwise involved in. PMs do get stuck doing "administrivia" often times just to keep the ball rolling. I will often schedule meetings to make sure all the right people are there, or to facilitate the discussion and make sure all the right things are covered, but will push back on being the go-fer who schedules meetings that don't involve me. I'll help out if someone is overloaded however, and I if one of our senior leaders asks, I know how to read an org chart. ;-) Saving Changes...
unless there's a contractual reason why the PM should be doing such activities, I prefer to have those who are calling the meeting to schedule the meeting. A PM is not a secretarial role...
Kiron Saving Changes...
Simon BuehringManaging Director| Knowledge Train LimitedLondon, United Kingdom
For me, it depends upon who the attendees will be. If they are internal stakeholders which need careful management I would arrange the meeting and probably attend. Or, if there's a need for a meeting between members of the project team and external people (e.g. suppliers) I would probably arrange the meeting. Again, if there's a need for me to attend I will. If the meeting is just between internal members of the team and there is no need for me to attend, I won't arrange the meeting or attend. So overall there's no hard and fast rule. It depends upon the importance of the meeting and the stakeholders who are attending. Saving Changes...
Depends on the frequency, importance, attendees, size of the project and project team, that will decide who schedules meetings. Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
Have scheduled meetings to facilitate efforts b/t team members or b/t a team member and the Product Manager or client business SME''s. Primarily schedule to ensure it takes place, or to act as the facilitator, with an option to join. If outside the project or the needs of the team, then no reason. We all have access to opening calendars and sending invitations. I suppose, pick your battles; depends on situation. Saving Changes...
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