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Project Manager in a vice. Why so and what to do about it


Two-part note: why in a vice and what to do about it.

Given


  1. The bosses - empowers and asks him for the result, which, I recall, was not created by him.
  2. PM - he does not perform tasks, organizes the work of others.
  3. Team - performs tasks.

Who do you think is the most uncomfortable in this chain? That's right, our hero-manager, because he was clamped on both sides.

Team


He controls it. It gives a result and feedback. It is the team that implements the project.

An ideal case when a team performs tasks and adds extra value to this. Because it can and wants. For example, it comes up with the initiative to apply a progressive solution and simplify development, or with ideas to optimize the process.

The case is less than ideal - when a team sabotages or works to the best of its ability. There are many options - all teams are unhappy in their own way. In my practice, there was a case when the team did not understand and did not recognize the need for a manager and met him immediately without reverence. They just thought that they could handle it. Why this does not work is described here .

Superiors


The project manager reports to them. They require the implementation of projects. Again, two options: carte blanche and ignoring.

With the first, everything is clear - the authorities trust, do not rush into the project, and expect results in accordance with trusted powers.

By the way, the most important moment - when setting the task for the manager, you need to understand if he has the power to do this? Conventionally, to assemble a marketer, HR and do something with the HR brand. And do these two, in general, at least somehow obey him? For example, design. What will happen if they do not come to the meeting? If nothing, then he does not need to entrust the HR brand. Not his circus, not his monkeys.


The second option - the boss tells the tales that you need to put yourself, asks to prove your suitability,
“Come on, you have all the cards in your hands - burn”
And goes into the sunset. In fact, does not give formal authority to manage the team, but wants results. First you learn to swim, and then we will fill you with water in the pool. Of course, there are a lot of things in the kit: appeals of team members through the head of this poor PM, intervention in the project, with the wording:
“Well, you haven’t shown anything yet, I feel it’s necessary to intervene”
Such authorities, as a rule, do not understand either management or organization. Even with 20 years of management experience. Moldovan business - hello. Because business is stable when the management system is working. To remove even the owner - nothing will collapse. And here to send this unfortunate boss to the sick-list, for example, the project, department, direction will collapse. Despite the fact that it was not easy to stand.

What to do to the project manager?


For starters, do not get into the company with the second options - carefully choose a job. The authorities are especially attentive.

Short:

  • Googling a company and asking friends - there are resources where reviews are anonymously written, and most are negative.
  • Interview the future leader - he is you, you are his. Ask key questions, diagnose his involvement, understanding of processes, ability to delegate. Ethical issues are important.
  • Getting to know a team - sorting out who you are dealing with.

If nevertheless, I managed to get into a vice, as I once did, then it is even easier: to realize these moments, and leave. Pre-prepared alternate aerodrome.

Alas, I do not see a way to resolve such issues without a declaration of my own free will. When the authorities do not provide support, and the team is engaged in sabotage, it’s easier not to punch the wall with your head, but to go around it.

If your leader does not understand elementary things - he cannot be explained, you are a subordinate and not taught to you. If the team is toxic - again the question is who allowed this? Will it be dissolved for the new PM? Will not. It’s easier for you to look for the normal one.

In general, I believe that finding a good boss is like finding true love, it feels like everything will be fine now.

PS Here, briefly, and in the next publication I will describe in detail my experience of interviews, hiring and adaptation, as well as traps that can wait on this path.

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