Challenges of Managing Projects during 2019/2020 End/Start-of-Year Break
George LewisProgram/Project Manager| DXC Technology CompanyHeredia, Costa Rica
What experiences with challenges of Managing Projects during End/Start-of-Year, Christmas/New Year and any other Major Holiday Breaks?
Are there additional risks?
Are there additional human resource complexity?
Even though this is personal I guess, have you sent holiday Christmas holiday greetings to your project team? yes? no? why not? Should you? Should you not?
What extra plans do Project Managers have to perform on these dates?
Can/Should/Must a PM relax and rest?
So many questions in one... Saving Changes...
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Mallory CaddellProject Manager| FirstHealth of the CarolinasWest End, Nc, United States
Great question! I find myself asking the same thing(s) while I am making project updates this morning. I send greetings and participate in office gatherings around the holidays. It’s beneficial to take time and share gratitude, laughter, and camaraderie to build better relationships. Looking forward to reading this thread. Saving Changes...
On the plus side, folks normally book their holiday plans in advance so there shouldn't be too many surprises.
On the down side, year end is a common time for soul-searching and reflection, and some folks will decide to find greener pastures at this time of year (assuming they haven't over-extended their credit with holiday purchases!).
I would say that a good PM will ensure their team members are getting the time off they deserve with their friends and family and will also acknowledge the support of their close family members in helping them deliver productively over the rest of the year. A thoughtful card or small gift can go a long way to rekindling inspiration...
Kiron Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
Well, certainly, should not be something that comes out of nowhere as a surprise.
The holidays and other breaks like this are typically known and planned for accordingly. Many larger organizations have freezes and shutdowns which definitely simplify things. Challenges can occur when crossing borders, but again, with these as known entities well in advance, planning is alleviated.
Handing out cards is a personal preference, and remember, not everyone celebrates Christmas. I do not. But do recognize the holiday time and share my wishes of a happy holiday time with family and friends.
And if able to take that remaining vacation time, I would absolutely recommend doing so. Usually not much is happening anyway and nice to take time off w/o coming back to lots of work! Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
George
End of year holidays are always booked in advance as my others colleagues here have mentioned so the risk of the surprise factor is very low.
As for the greeting cards, of course, I make sure they are delivered well in advance so they can receive them before they head on holidays.
Happy New Year.
RK Saving Changes...
Priya PatraDelivery Director| Capgemini India Technology Services LtdMumbai, India
The end of the year for me is more of reflection and introspection for myself.
As for my team, i usually take them out for lunch and plan some fun activities. This ends with a thank you note for the contributions in the year gone by and focus areas for the coming year ! Saving Changes...
Wade HarshmanScrum Master| GDITIndianapolis, In, United States
Beware of the project stakeholders who don't take vacation.
They will use this slow time to tinker with your project plans while most of the team is away. Saving Changes...
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