PMcrunch

As Project Managers, we are called upon to be leaders much of the time – and really should be thinking about it all of the time.  Rather than suggesting that we merely “think outside of the box”, I am suggesting that we “think outside the project”, because, that might be a little more appropriate for the world we as project managers are traveling in.  The keys to better leadership performance – and this is a very individual thing – probably lies in our thinking outside of our project.

What is “Thinking Outside the Project?”
What I mean by “thinking outside the project” is thinking deeply about whom we are and what we want to leave behind.  For example, there are a number of things we can do to learn more about ourselves, our unique personal strengths, our leadership style, and the mark we want to leave.  This kind of introspection is the key for more effective leadership on our projects.

Some Ways to Enhance our Leadership Style
We are all individuals, and we are all wired differently.  Of course, if we have been managing projects for a while then we know how differently people can be wired.  The question is how can you tap into how you are wired, to become a more effective leader.  Here are some ideals:

1. Become more acquainted with your own personal style and preferences.  One way to do this, if you have not already, is to take some tests – and I suggest doing it several times to get some common results – like the Myer Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).  Just keep in mind that this does not particularly tell you whether you are a leader or not, but rather tells you the style or preference of expressing your leadership. 

2. Think about the proposition that leadership is a choice.  We can choose to be a leader or we can choose to be a follower.  Often times it takes leadership skill to be a follower, just think about that one for a second.

3. Think about what you want to leave behind – your legacy – think about this in very broad terms.  The best time to think about this type of thing is at transition points - at the beginning and end of jobs, projects, stages in life, and the like.  As project managers, because of the fact that we work on many projects over time, this presents great opportunities for us.  And not only should we complete lessons learned at the end of each project and apply them moving forward, but we should also apply this legacy thinking where we think about what we have accomplished, what we want to accomplish, and what we want to be known for.

4. Think about why people come to you.  Why do people seek you for guidance, when do people not seek you, when do you want people to seek you, and what do you want them to seek you for.  As part of this introspection, you might ask some people just how it is that they see you.  Take a look at yourself through their eyes.

Final thoughts about “Thinking outside the Project”
The exercises I have suggested are not prescriptions of what to do on the project.  What they are is things to think about that can provide clarity to you on who you are, what you believe, how others see you, and what your style is.  The clearer you are on all of this, the more clearly you can see what role you can play, what benefit you can provide, in the work place and on your projects.  Of course, this can improve your personal life as well, and you will be taking steps to being a more effective leader.
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John Reiling, PMP
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