What would be the first thing you would do as a Project Manager?
Anonymous
Hello to everyone!!
I always wonder if there is any better way to get started as a project manager in a new organization. I know that first thing to do is to orient oneself with the organization. What else? What could be the right approach?
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If by "orienting oneself with the organization" you mean figuring out where the toilets are, I agree, it's a vital first step in getting to know your new environment :)
Tim's advice of cakes and coffee is also sound - what I'd do is organize an informal breakfast in the company's kitchen or equivalent with the team I'd be joining, introduce myself and explain how my role within the tram is gonna help them.
Of course, be wary of company culture. Depending on the level of project management maturity of the organization, a project manager may be perceived as a curious and unknown beast, or regarded with as much excitement as a pigeon in Paris. Adapt your introduction accordingly. Saving Changes...
Elizabeth HarrinDirector| RebelsGuideToPM.comLondon, England, United Kingdom
I would meet everyone on the project team individually and get them to tell me about the project from their perspective. This is a good, fast way of getting up to speed on the main challenges. Saving Changes...
Sam MotesManager II Business Sys, Operational Excellence| BA Systems Inc.Ellenton, Fl, United States
Can't agree with Elizabeth more. You have to get out and get to know the people you will be working with both on the project and throughout the company. You need to know what they need from your projects and get a feel for the politics of the company. Start building those working relationships from day one. Saving Changes...
Become familiar with the company culture! chat to other people and specifically to other Project Managers, get a feel how they do things within the organisation, this is key otherwise you could find yourself stepping on peoples shoes! Saving Changes...
Mark DyslinHR Project Leader| Xerox Business Services LLCDallas, Tx, United States
What would be the first thing I do? To quote Billy S. "Kill all the lawyers". Then do what everyone else suggest: mingle and bring food. Build relationships.
One thing to consider when you are mingling, find out who are the project helpers and who are the project destroyers. Be sure you spend 90% of the meeting using nothing more than your ears and don't take notes (don't even bring anything to write on). That will "hush" people up and they won't be as open with you. Saving Changes...
Sameer IyerVice President - Salesforce Centre of Excellence| Barclays Bank, Plc.Pune, Maharashtra, India
I think more than the process and the PM methodology, the 'people' aspect is more important. Know more of and about the people who you would be working with, their styles, strengths and weaknesses. If you can have a good balance, you will always get the best of of your team. Saving Changes...
Kevin HartfordProject Manager| Olgoonik Specialty ContractorsArlington, Va, United States
I agree with everyone else in that you have to build relationships, but I think you also have to learn the processes of the organization. I would also like to add that you have to get a baseline so you know where you have to start. Saving Changes...
R GIRISH NAIRManager Product Engineering - QA| Symphony Services Pvt LtdBangalore, Karanataka, India
I think better way to start as a Project Manager
1. Understand the Oraganization culture
2. Understand the Project assigned Pros/cons, release details
3. Meet with the Project team in a formal meeting room and introduce
4. Introduce and inform the expectation
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Ravi AnandProject Manager| Fujitsu ConsultingPune, India
Since Org. is new to you, First thing should be understanding the process,policy,culture,Reporting structure ( People working around you ) of the org. Once you get the project you can start with Project Managemt Methology ( Init, Planning, Execution and Monitoring , Closing Etc. ). Saving Changes...
