Product Operations Program ManagerBarcelona, Cataluña, Spain
A Team has been put together and a War-Room assigned. What tips do you have to create an optimum working atmosphere and get the most out of it? Saving Changes...
Anton OosthuizenSenior Business Analyst / Project Manager| Self EmployedPretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
And all should understand and agree on one very important principle - you are not only there to 'make war' but you are also there to learn because you will. If you are not prepared to accept that then withdraw. Saving Changes...
Ragothaman RamachandranManager - IT Processes| Timken Engineering Research IndiaBangalore, India
I believe the very purpose of war room is for focussed discussion and action on specific topic hence start with the big purpose. Then just like brainstorming give opportunity for each one to propose their ideas on how to address the issue at hand. From that set of ideas, take up things that will maximize the value and keep rest for a later point of time. Ask who wants to take ownership on what rather than directly assigning actions to them. In that way the commitment comes from the participant rather than brutal force. Plan to gather again at a dedicated time to review the status. Since the War room is always very focussed, keep the atmosphere relaxed with some snacks and coffee. Hope this helps Saving Changes...
War room is generally created for a specific and critical task/issue. Make sure that team is aware of target or problem and focusing only on resolving it.
War room is generally closed once that issue is resolved or the task is completed. Saving Changes...
Very good set of tips on how to organize the War-Room.
Last comment from Sonali also, the War-Room is like a project it has a duration/reason. Saving Changes...
A war room is a room to provide communication and collaboration. You want to communicate not create chaos; I will usually create zones for different areas and label: announcements, war room etiquette, status reports, project schedule, project budget, issue/risk board, design diagrams, process maps, parking lot - these are all different zones that I have used in the past and not necessarily all of them for every project. I will try to set it up so that any stakeholder can walk around the room and get a pretty good idea of where we are in the project.
Use that real estate. Stick important stuff on the wall - first make sure you can stick it, pin it or tape it to the wall. Make it colorful and interesting; make big pink stars to highlight important things.
Essential items: connectivity, comfortable chairs, white boards/flip charts, post-it notes, sharpies, and highlighters.
Comfort items: coffee, drinks, snacks/candy, napkins, paper towels, coat racks
Some etiquette suggestions: keep anything displayed "current", don't remove/change other people's stuff without permission. Saving Changes...
Samer AlhmdanSenior Project Manager, PMP, PMI-RMP, LEED AP, EDGE Expert| darDubai, United Arab Emirates
Anyway, all the tips are great, but please, take in as noted Carolyn also the essential items...connectivity, speakers, batteries in the projector remote control... and etiquette suggestion...or Am I the only one who talked with a team member to don't take off the shoes during the work sessions?
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1 reply by Carolyn Wilson
Aug 08, 2017 4:14 PM
Carolyn Wilson
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That is so funny! That did actually happen to me one time, as well.
I forget to mention a "nice-to-have" - a window. I worked for six months in a war room with no windows and it began to feel like a dungeon.
Saving Changes...
Deepa KalangiManager, Program Management, Author, Trainer| CVS HealthCharlotte, NC, United States
I have done only virtual war rooms. People get tired of long discussions, so need to be flexible when taking breaks, etc. A little humor helps ease up the headspace and cool down heated discussions and like everyone said, staying on the topic that has an issue for resolution is the top most priority. Everyone appreciates any little time left if we solve the problem ahead in time. Saving Changes...
Anyway, all the tips are great, but please, take in as noted Carolyn also the essential items...connectivity, speakers, batteries in the projector remote control... and etiquette suggestion...or Am I the only one who talked with a team member to don't take off the shoes during the work sessions?
That is so funny! That did actually happen to me one time, as well.
I forget to mention a "nice-to-have" - a window. I worked for six months in a war room with no windows and it began to feel like a dungeon. Saving Changes...
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