What can you do to prevent being too dependent on key members of your team?

Information Technology Resource Management Risk Management

Anita Mathis Project Manager| Grace Factors LLC Conyers, Ga, United States

Since resources are often borrowed from functional departments, people leave, and priorities change, what do you consider the best way for reducing this risk?

***I am collecting data in a formal survey on this topic if you're willing to share. This link is available on my profile page under Projects at https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitaymathis

Posted: Oct 30, 2016 6:22 PM

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saurabh mahajan PMP, ITIL, PRINCE2| vodafone Pune, Maharashtra, India

Documentation

all the tasks should be documented with proper explanation.
Weekly/bi-weekly/monthly review of these documents by the manager
identify high value team members and build their backups on time.

Posted: Dec 12, 2016 3:59 AM

Naomi Caietti Senior Project Manager | ePMO | Higher Education | Healthcare & IT| Linkedin.com/In/NaomiCaietti

Anita:
Your question relates to matrix vs projectized organizational structure. It's important up front to get buyin from functional managers, team, sponsor and stakeholders as to the scope, schedule and resources to be assigned to the project. Document all contraints,risks and issues associated with any of your resources on the project. Schedule regular meetings with your sponsor to discuss status and impacts to the triple constraint including quality that need to be negotiated to keep the project moving forward. Your risk should go into a risk management plan.

Posted: Dec 13, 2016 11:58 PM

Carlos Tessore Dr.| RManagement Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay

Oct 31, 2016 10:41 AM

Replying to AKSHAY JAIN

...

Develop back up resources by giving them full opportunity to participate in project and document key techniques and leanings. This will help to train alternate resources.

That worked for me!!!!

Posted: Jan 10, 2017 4:49 PM

Laxman Dudem Manager Hyderabad, India

Transparent communication, sharing responsibilities and cross training shall help to reduce the risk of depending on key resources..

Posted: Jan 11, 2017 2:04 AM

Stéphane Parent Self Employed / Semi-retired| Leader Maker Prince Edward Island, Canada

This should be covered under your human resources management plan. This subsidiary management plan should cover topics such as succession planning, formal training, cross-training, buddy system, etc.

Don't forget to reward activities that convert tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge! Otherwise, these activities wind up at the bottom of the to-do list.

Posted: Jan 12, 2017 9:42 AM (Updated by author: Jan 12, 2017 9:43 AM)

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What can you do to prevent being too dependent on key members of your team?

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