I've just joined a new company and was put as PM of a team that was in place. I'm feeling that the two leaders of the team are like avoiding me.
I don't know exactly how to handle this.
Can you give me an advice?
Thanks! Saving Changes...
I fully agree with what Stéphane and William commented. And one more, I recommend you to analyze organization's culture first. Some organizations have very strong culture to keep the close relations only between original or existing employees not with strangers, especially who newly take senior role from outside of the organization. In this case, no matter how seriously you can try to build a trust or good relationship with existing members, it takes much longer period of time to succeed it. Know well team members' readiness, use rewards and pay people as many compliments as you can. And don't forget sometimes coercive power can't be avoidable based on the various situations you may face. Saving Changes...
I know what it means, as a freelance, I'm always the "new". My 2cents
- Observation. Observe the leaders, do they drink coffee? tea? what time usually they'll take a break? Are they always together? Try to do it discretely, don't seem a stalker.
- Perform. Then, my recommendation is same as the Stépane comments.
I did more or less like this a lot of time, and this situation is only during the first weeks, you have to win their trust.
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
I agree with my fellow colleagues.
Acceptance takes time as some might think they deserve to be PM's, others take pride of their seniority in the company but as time passes, with your leadership skills, you will break the ice.
If they feel you have great leadership skills and as a leader they are benefiting from your skills as a PM and that you are guiding the team in the right direction, everything will change.
Every beginning is difficult but I agree you situation is a bit more difficult. Just do your job, be wise and patient, lead by example and time will realign everything. Saving Changes...
Cleuber: There are lots of things at play with your new assignment. Many in this group have provided you with some great insight. I'll share a few more... Is this project in trouble; either way spend time with your sponsor asking questions and listening to what your immediate, short and long term actions are with this project. Coffee chats are always the best way to break the ice; besides listening make sure that ask some insightful questions to gauge these leaders concerns and issues. Also, do a retrospective with the core team to gauge what is the current state, what can you do better and what needs to happen right away to move forward. Brush up on your core leadership skills; but most of all do your job, hold your team accountable for tasks and key deliverables and stay engaged with the sponsor, team and culture. Saving Changes...
You will have to spend one-on-one time with each one to develop a relationship and trust,.Why don't you take each one out, separately, for a coffee?
Tell them how much you appreciate the experience and insight they bring to the project. Then ask them how you can help them make their work easier.
Spend a lot of time listening, nodding your head, and asking questions to clarify your understanding.
I agree with Stéphane on this.
Sooner you resolve, it will be good for the project & the team. Saving Changes...
saurabh mahajanPMP, ITIL, PRINCE2| vodafonePune, Maharashtra, India
talk ... it always breaks the ice.
talk to your leaders, find common interests,common hobbies,go for tea/lunch/dinner with team/make them feel you are like them Saving Changes...
Kgobalale John MalatjiProjects Portfolio Manager | Noko-impJohannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Hi Cleuber
As Stephane pointed, developing relationship with each one individually will speed up the process better than engaging them as a group.
The other thing you need to do is to understand their team culture (including knowledge and power dynamics) and fit in if it is great or change what doesn't work.
Be careful to retain your independence and build your own perception of each member without influence by others. Saving Changes...
Wow!
What amazing response! I'm really impressed with all of your help!
Thank so much each of you!!
I certainly will try to put this in place.
I really appreciated all your contributions ... to me it feels like receiving Wisdom true friends!!
I wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a very, very happy New Year!!
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2 replies by Anupam and Rami Kaibni
Dec 09, 2016 5:00 PM
Rami Kaibni
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You're Welcome - I wish you and your loved ones the same Cleuber - Enjoy the Holidays.
Dec 12, 2016 11:42 AM
Anupam
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Cleuber, thanks for the wishes. I wish you the same. Enjoy your holidays.
"Nearly every great advance in science arises from a crisis in the old theory, through an endeavor to find a way out of the difficulties created. We must examine old ideas, old theories, although they belong to the past, for this is the only way to understand the importance of the new ones and the extent of their validity."
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