I've encountered this issue on more than one project. I work in software development and the project team expects me to be there working weekends (just like them) to "get the work done."
This isn't an issue of the team running me, but rather one of corporate culture. I don't want to get into a snitty middle-school argument of "I have to work overtime, so do you!" but come on. I put in a significant amount of OT and worked weekends at the beginning of the project and now that we're into crunch time and people have to work weekends (it was a short duration so honestly, they have no choice but to work on the weekend). The team members are starting to become antagonistic and saying things like, "I assume you'll be here this weekend as well?"
Actually, no...I hadn't planned on coming in because I really don't have anything to do that I'm not getting done during working hours now.
Thoughts on this? I can't imagine project teams expect their PMs to be "on call" 24/7 and available for pain-sharing. Saving Changes...
Matthew SmithProject Management Consultant| Risk and Project ManagementQueanbeyan, Australia
Hi Stacey.
It's a great question. One we all face from time-to-time.
You have every right to expect to have a life outside work. But also I agree with Mark Perry. If your team is making a sacrifice it would be worthwhile from a morale perspective to show support. You can't always be there in person, but you could use a video or phone hook up to let the team know you're thinking of them. Even better, go in for 30 minutes or so to express your appreciation in person if you can.
Leadership and team morale are the key ingredients in a successful project. I try really hard to ensure the team is always on side.
Hi Stacey:
This is such a great posting and an all to common issues most PMs face from time to time.
You can certainly address this from the beginning with a good PMP, communication, change management and role and responsibility matrix. But mostly, you need to be a strong leader and garner support from your sponsor and functional manager.
You need to communicate role and responsibilities, coach and mentor up and down the organization with your sponsors, team leads, change/ management/application development leads etc, hold lead accountable and be a cheerleader for your team.
Does this mean you need to work on weekends with your team? It depends; you know the issues, upgrades, code or system changes and visibility of the project. Can you delegate, recruit a backup to give you a break from time to time or should both you and the sponsor be there occassionally on weekends to support your team? Can you hold conference calls during the day to obtain status and show up when convenient for your schedule but stay connected with your team? A good plan is a well executed plan; team members should know what to expect from their PMs. Communicate and often; keep the team informed.
If something goes wrong with your project; ultimately as the PM; you are responsible. Be open, flexible and empathetic; it goes a long way to developing a high performing team.
~N.
Saving Changes...
Elizabeth HarrinDirector| RebelsGuideToPM.comLondon, England, United Kingdom
Be there for the bits you have to be there for, plus a bit extra to show gratitude and moral support, and bring pizza. Saving Changes...
