In project management, problems occur every day.
PMP certified people must respond appropriately to the signs and minimize the impact of problems.
So I would like to share the warning signs I learned from my past projects.
The theme of this article is “Beware of ambiguous perceptions of young members.”
As you progress through a project, it may be necessary to check the situation with young members.
At that time, have you ever received a report from them saying, “I understand it like this, so it’s okay”?
I once received such a report, and that “understanding” was not conveyed to other parties involved, and it almost became a problem.
When I was a young member, my boss often asked me how to proceed with the work. If I was busy at that time, I sometimes made the report mentioned above.
This time, I will consider why young members make such reports based on my experience.
Young members’ thinking: wishful thinking
Young members tend to think optimistically because they have little experience of failure. This leads to wishful thinking, thinking “It should work” and “There should be no problem.”
For example, they may report that “someone should be doing it” even if it is not decided who will do what by when.
I was also very optimistic when I was young. There have been several times when unfounded confidence and relying on others led to problems.
In the PMI ethical decision-making framework, fact-checking is important.
PMPs need to detect problems caused by wishful thinking by double-checking the reports of young members to see if they are true.
Young members’ excuses: I said so
Young members, especially talented ones, have good memories and comprehension.
However, this can sometimes have a negative effect when making adjustments. This is because they think that the other person has the same abilities as them.
If the other person has poor memory or comprehension, the argument of a talented young person that “I said so” will not work.
Especially with customers or senior positions, they may be dismissed with “I didn’t hear you.”
When I was young, I once argued with my boss, saying, “It’s the other person’s fault for not listening to my explanation.”
As a PMP, it is necessary to show understanding for the opinions of young members while teaching them that there are people to whom common sense does not apply.
And to prevent problems in “I told you so” situations, it is important to check whether the other person understands and monitor whether they are acting as said.
Summary
Young members’ vague perceptions include wishful thinking and self-centered thinking such as “I told you so.”
From my experience, it may be necessary to experience problems in order to change such perceptions.
With that in mind, it is also important for a PMP to give advice while avoiding serious problems in order to develop young members.
I would like to try this out a little in my work from tomorrow.