what level of Authority a project manager should has to manage his/her project successfully in a weak project matrix organization structure.
Can a project manager make decision in the product like the look and feel of it assuming there is no acceptance criteria for the look and feel ? Saving Changes...
In a weak matrix structure a PM might have all the accountability for project success with minimal (or no) formal authority. However, they can have significant informal authority based on the relationship they have with the project sponsor, their credibility with key stakeholders and their general interpersonal skills (e.g. influence, negotiation).
When it comes to requirements, I'd prefer to see a situation where the PM facilitates decision making by the "right" requirements owner. If it is a functional requirement such as usability then it should be from someone who represents the end user communities impacted.
If that stakeholder doesn't have an opinion, then the PM can certainly make a recommendation but would they have sufficient expertise in user experience design to make a good suggestion?
Kiron Saving Changes...
Luis BrancoCEO| Business Insight, Consultores de Gestão, LdªCarcavelos, Lisboa, Portugal
Dear Dina Very interesting your question. The old question of "POWER" and "AUTHORITY" The Project Manager will have the power given to him by the person to whom he reports (this may be the Functional Manager or the Project Sponsor) Have the authority that team members and stakeholders recognize in the project manager
Regarding the decisions about the look and feel of it, I am convinced that the people recommended to do so are the project stakeholders. If there are no acceptance criteria, you need to search for them. Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
You cannot expect authority to be granted to you. You must create your own authority.
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1 reply by Luis Branco
Oct 17, 2019 5:02 PM
Luis Branco
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Dear Sergio
In my approach to authority I replace the mirror with windows, that is to say, is what others see in me
Of course.
If we want others to think like that, give us authority, we have to do something about it.
Saving Changes...
Luis BrancoCEO| Business Insight, Consultores de Gestão, LdªCarcavelos, Lisboa, Portugal
Oct 17, 2019 3:55 PM
Replying to Sergio Luis Conte
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You cannot expect authority to be granted to you. You must create your own authority.
Dear Sergio
In my approach to authority I replace the mirror with windows, that is to say, is what others see in me
Of course.
If we want others to think like that, give us authority, we have to do something about it. Saving Changes...
George FreemanThought Leader | Author | Architect| Florida, United States
Hi Dina,
It sounds like you have an informal project based on how you framed the question. Have you considered using this as an opportunity to put forth a “project charter”? A properly designed charter (even a light one) would create accountability structures and definitions that would encourage success and give you a path to walk on.
In a small team or small company environment, the project manager is normally expected to “step up” and do what is necessary to make sure the project gets done. So, if that means “rolling up your sleeves”, then, by all means, do so – you are in the best position to know if that is the expectation.
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1 reply by DINA MUHAMAD
Oct 18, 2019 12:13 AM
DINA MUHAMAD
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Hi George,
Yeah I have created the project charter.
It is an Intranet project and
Again as a project manager and what I have seen from all the home work I did is that the look and feel of an Intranet is one of it's main success factors.i also am an end user of the Intranet and didn't like what I saw.
The developers didn't seem to care and my manager told them we need to launch ASAP before even asking how much it takes to enhance the design and ask me what's the deadlne
So it feels like I am helpless and don't have a say because the developers always respond to my manager requests rather than mine as a project manager
It sounds like you have an informal project based on how you framed the question. Have you considered using this as an opportunity to put forth a “project charter”? A properly designed charter (even a light one) would create accountability structures and definitions that would encourage success and give you a path to walk on.
In a small team or small company environment, the project manager is normally expected to “step up” and do what is necessary to make sure the project gets done. So, if that means “rolling up your sleeves”, then, by all means, do so – you are in the best position to know if that is the expectation.
Hi George,
Yeah I have created the project charter.
It is an Intranet project and
Again as a project manager and what I have seen from all the home work I did is that the look and feel of an Intranet is one of it's main success factors.i also am an end user of the Intranet and didn't like what I saw.
The developers didn't seem to care and my manager told them we need to launch ASAP before even asking how much it takes to enhance the design and ask me what's the deadlne
So it feels like I am helpless and don't have a say because the developers always respond to my manager requests rather than mine as a project manager
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1 reply by Khai Ng.
Oct 18, 2019 9:55 PM
Khai Ng.
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@Dina
I think, in your project, your manager is also one of key stakeholders and you should listen to his or her voice. For "there is no acceptance criteria for the look and feel" then you should analyze requirements or interview your manager to get "acceptance criteria" ASAP. Remember that in all cases, with what level of authority, you should not give decision just by what you think it is right, in this case as you said is "i also am an end user of the Intranet and didn't like what I saw", without supported data; you are an end user but you are just "Interest" in the result and you do not have "Power" to give decision. If your stakeholder, in this case is your manager, has "Power" and also "Interest" in the result, then give up your own feeling and just focus on his or her needs.
Saving Changes...
Alexandre CostaScrum Master| Integer Consulting - Pictet technologiesLoures, Portugal
Do you think it could be a cultural issue?
In some Arab and Asian countries there is much reluctance to report to women, as such they report to the next hierarchical superior. I hope not because I do not tolerate such types of discrimination, but in any case we have to take into account the culture in which we are integrated.
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1 reply by DINA MUHAMAD
Oct 18, 2019 11:37 AM
DINA MUHAMAD
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Hopefully not because then it would be hard to solve the issue.
I sometimes ask him I need some support and guidance when there is a conflict and he responds it is ur issue, you need to find your way with them
Do you think it could be a cultural issue?
In some Arab and Asian countries there is much reluctance to report to women, as such they report to the next hierarchical superior. I hope not because I do not tolerate such types of discrimination, but in any case we have to take into account the culture in which we are integrated.
Hopefully not because then it would be hard to solve the issue.
I sometimes ask him I need some support and guidance when there is a conflict and he responds it is ur issue, you need to find your way with them Saving Changes...
In such a vacuum, I would suggest taking charge otherwise you will be disappointed and will likely get blamed for whatever goes "wrong". Create your own terms of reference, send them for approval, create your own project objectives, and requirements, and project approval process. You might be pleasantly surprised when they see this type of initiative. Treat this as an opportunity and not as a threat.
In such a vacuum, I would suggest taking charge otherwise you will be disappointed and will likely get blamed for whatever goes "wrong". Create your own terms of reference, send them for approval, create your own project objectives, and requirements, and project approval process. You might be pleasantly surprised when they see this type of initiative. Treat this as an opportunity and not as a threat.
Thanks Steve.
That's Defnitely what I am gonna do. Saving Changes...
