Aejaz ShaikhPM I| Alyx Technologies India Pvt LtdPune, Maharshatra, India
What mentoring skills does a Project Manager need to have in order to develop the project team and upgrade and enhance the knowledge of all the members in the project team. Saving Changes...
I believe that one of the main skills that a project manager must have to motivate his team is the knowledge and follow-up of all tasks assigned through personal contact with all team members. Saving Changes...
Nasrullah MohammedPortfolio Manager| Advanced Electronics CompanyRiyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Aejaz - Good interpersonal skills are key to successful team development. The project manager and the team members need to work together to recognize each other’s strengths and weaknesses. This will engender good team spirit and cooperation. The project manager needs to be a good facilitator to develop the valuable assets that are the team members.
Focused training is important and this should be based on delivering the technical skills required. Formal and informal team-building activities will play a part in bonding the team members and are particularly valuable when the team operates from disparate and remote locations. Saving Changes...
Are you talking about enhancing knowledge of project management or knowledge of how to do their jobs?
I've had projects where I've outlined how the project was going to run and reviewed the core processes with the team, before we started, and then sent out reminders when we're coming up on the start of new processes. It's proven helpful for large, distributed teams.
Bear in mind, these were the project processes, not how the team members did their work. On my projects, I have little influence over that. It may be different for other project managers. Saving Changes...
John TiesoAuthor, Lecturer in Business Management| The Catholic University of America, Busch School of Business & EconomicsArlington, Va, United States
Over the years, i have tried to use the review of every part of deliverables (i.e. models, diagrams, descriptions, etc.) as a teaching experience--for both of us who may be involved in those discussions. The PM needs skills which enable him/her to effectively communicate, and that includes good listening skills.
Virtually every one of my projects has taught me something, while I initially thought I was doing the teaching and mentoring to the younger, and less-experienced team members. Often, the reverse was true. Newer eyes on a problem often gives different perspectives--many of which are actually better than the view originally held, and was encouraging. When these situations arise, it is time to stop talking, start listening, and glean the good from the discussion. Then, as the discussion moves to a new plane, encourage the team member to further flesh out their ideas and views--encouraging that their ideas reflect the requirements in the project scope.
This kind of discussion is especially helpful in agile-oriented projects where discussion of needs, problems, and potential solutions take on even more meaning and need faster solutions to stay within the plan. Saving Changes...
Aejaz:
There are so many but if I have to pick these are the top three:
1. Be a role model/leader: - Your team will learn to expect your style of leadership and what to expect from a PM as a participant and contributor.
2. Be Open: Be approachable but firm on their role and responsibilities and learn what motivates them so you can coach them.
3. Be a Cheer Leader: Mentor on team building and recognize all teams will go stages of development. Utilize your EQ. Saving Changes...
In addition to the great comments left by others, I would also recommend some form of leadership training to anyone wishing to hone their mentorship skills and maximize the impact they have on their teams.
Aside from doing formal course work, seminar type learning can be very beneficial, and require a very minimal time commitment (typically 2 to 3 days each). These are offered both in classroom settings and online by many colleges and universities around the world. Though I would recommend attending in classroom for maximum benefit.
I would personally recommend topics related to the following; Team building, EQ, conquering generation gaps, gaining influence, and effective communication. Saving Changes...
To be a good mentor is to be a good teacher. Someone must be humble, willing to learn from the student, and willing to share/teach. Not everyone is made of this cloth. It takes patience and the willingness to let go to be a good mentor. First step is to know oneself and understand if the desire to be that open and sharing is what you're made of, then take all the great tips the others have left on this thread into account. Saving Changes...
Hi Aejaz, I recently published an article on this topic, which you may find helpful: http://bit.ly/2p23N1F. The article looks at both coaching and mentoring and how to use these approaches to lead your project team.
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2 replies by Aejaz Shaikh and Alejandro Guerra Nochez
Apr 12, 2017 1:04 AM
Aejaz Shaikh
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Grace, excellent article, covers up almost all what is needed. Thanks.
Apr 14, 2017 12:07 AM
Alejandro Guerra Nochez
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hi Grace, I enjoyed reading your article. I liked the comparison between coaching and mentoring.
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