Danny StephensConstruction and Project Manager| Energy NorthwestWest Richland, Wa, United States
I recently took over the construction and project management group at my company. I want to develop strong leaders, but currently do not have a process in place. I want to know how others ensure new project managers have good leadership skills or train project managers on leadership. Saving Changes...
There are a lot of ways you can develop leadership skills in your organization, depending on the resources you have on hand. I took a several week course developed by my employer which leverages many sources you can find at the library or on-line. Part of it is the difference between leaders and managers. Another big piece is understanding your own styles using methods like DISC and right/left brain dominance. Of course another critical part is relating to others, such as through emotional intelligence.
Something like that is a big investment so you’re likely to reserve it for a smaller number of employees. Although any of those subjects, assessments, etc. are readily available and often for free, developing a learning plan however organizes the information in a logical way. If you don’t have the capability or capacity in-house, there are a variety of courses, many offered by universities such as the Harvard Business School, either in person or online. You might also hire a consultant with expertise in developing the training, or who can host training sessions. Any of that will obviously cost money in some way.
Even if you don’t have the time and money for an organized training program, you can find videos and readings on-line like the book What Got You Here Wont Get you There, also available on YouTube. Those can work like PMI webinars where you can offer people bite-sized chunks of education. Google is your friend in finding them, but make sure you don’t just inflict something on others without watching/reading it first yourself.
In addition to formal training, you can and should develop it through growth opportunities. Those could be a permanent job function with more responsibility or temporary assignments either leading others or assisting leaders. Mentoring is critical there however. Practice doesn’t make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect and without guidance people can easily develop the “wrong” skills. Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
The key point, mostly forgotten, is like Ortega y Gaset stated: "I am me and my circumstance". Organizations are open and adaptable systems where things like leadership are located at the Style component inside the enterprise architecture (if you take the 7S Model for example). So, it is not a matter to push people. Is a matter to create the enterprise architecture which helps people to take leadership and ownership in a "natural" way. Saving Changes...
With any type of soft skill development, I support a 10/20/70 model of 10% formal training, 20% relationship-based learning (e.g. having a seasoned mentor paired up with a budding leader) and 70% experiential learning in leadership roles.
Kiron Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Danny,
Veronica has a good link.
There might be a slight difference in project and general leadership, but both will initially focus on developing the individual and then their interpersonal capabilities.
Leadership classes at IBM I was lucky to attend included presentation skills, negotiation, team leadership, facilitation. Outside IBM I also attended classes about self-confidence, self-control, meditation etc..
Since some time I give leadership classes myself.
Leadership can be developed and depends on the context and culture. Hiring people who have shown leadership elsewhere might not ensure they show it in your place with your culture and ethics (same with external leaders).
Leadership development normally involves the HR department, as they are in charge of people development/training and career paths.
Thomas Saving Changes...
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
Toastmasters is a great way to build and hone leadership skills. Saving Changes...
Peter RapinSubject Matter Expect; Project Delivery| Independent ConsultantOntario, Canada
A big part of leadership skill enhancement is providing or having an opportunity to lead. Like most skills one needs practice to improve. Yes, formal training and aptitude is important as is observation but ultimately you have to "just do it".
Two words come to mind - trust and respect. Without these there is no opportunity to be lead or to lead. Saving Changes...
Vijay SuryavanshiProject Manager - Engineering| RECARO Aircraft SeatingPlantation, Fl, United States
There are 13 skills that would-be leaders need to develop to be able to prove themselves suitable for the role. Look at each in the list of leadership skills and abilities, why they are considered vital and how one can demonstrate they possess each skill. (suggested by research.com)
1. Improve Communication Skills 2. Practice Discipline 3. Resolve Conflicts 4. Take on more Responsibilities. 5. Be a Follower 6. Develop Awareness and Foresight 7. Inspire Others (lead by example) 8. Continue Learning 9. Empower the Team (allow them to make mistakes and learn) 10. Listen Attentively 11. Encourage Collaboration 12. Have a Positive Attitude 13. Be More Decisive
In offering career development, along side financial and personal growth, talk to the team members. Assess them where they are at career now and ask them where they want to be in the future (short and long term).Be a mentor or a coach. See what motivates the team. Considering intrinsic motivation factors is important, Challenge the team to the next level. Give the team due recognition and praise at appropriate times (when they execute difficult work) and take responsibility for failures. Back the team so that they perform to their full potential (high performance)and not fear failures. If you make costly mistakes, learn lessons from them and teach the team, do not repeat the mistakes.
That being said, it takes, time ,effort, energy and investment in the team to groom leaders and make them high performing.(Corelate this to a game you love and think of yourself as the captain or coach.)
PS : Also, be aware of yourself and your leadership style. Following situational leadership is important. 9though there are 5 types of leadership styles. Place discipline and integrity at the highest level while looking for honesty, loyalty, respect and responsible team members regardless of style)
And if your project managers are self-motivated and PMP earners, they already have what it takes. and you must not feel the responsibility to teach them leadership. It is important that the Leader of your organization has a "good vision". Ideally, it will be left for the project managers to execute the vision.
Hope this helps. Saving Changes...
Latha Thamma reddiSr Product and Portfolio Management (Automation Innovation)| DXC TechnologyMckinney, Tx, United States
Thanks for sharing, very good topic Saving Changes...
