Managing Chaos

When you manage projects in volatile environments, everyone needs to be ready to take on a leadership role when necessary. Team building, leadership development activities and effective communication ensure that group dynamics enable maximum performance. By setting up an environment that fosters listening, encouragement, action planning and effective delegation, you can build a team that supports and motivates each other.

Build Your Confidence

When you introduce yourself or ask others to do so, describe your strengths and actions aligned with your organization’s goals and project expectations. Resist the temptation to rely on your title and years of experience. Instead, mention your passions, visions, and values. You want to convey a message about your performance and identity to leave a lasting impression. In your statement, include what you’re proficient at, what you’re passionate about and what principles you espouse.

To prepare, conduct a self-assessment by listing a few descriptive phrases you think other people might say about you when you’re not around. Then, talk to several people who know you well to find out how they would describe you. Take a few days to reflect on the difference between what you think about yourself and what others observe about you. Then, write a sentence that describes your authentic self as you want to be seen by others. Once you can express yourself in this concise way, you can exude confidence as a creative and dedicated project management professional.

Team Leadership

To develop team leadership skills, foster a learning environment that enables each team member to contribute. Allow each person to identify a personal leadership plan. Recognition of different leadership attributes and styles can facilitate a productive work environment. When team members value each other, the team can overcome inevitable project conflict and discord.

To kick off a leadership development program, ask participants to think about great leaders they’ve known. By building self-awareness, business acumen and the ability to work well with others, team leaders can emerge and evolve on your team. Each participant should identify their strengths, blind spots and leadership purpose. They should also focus on when their energy level is highest and what they love…