Motivation may not be the only challenge
When some project team members have met their task
deliverables and the project becomes bogged down, those members may have a negative
outlook and affect other team members. Once a project manager sees that, it is
the PM’s duty to nip this in the bud quickly and professionally. I am not
suggesting that the PM use an iron fist on team members. As a matter of fact, I
believe the PM must be transparent and make this the first discussion point in
the next project meeting, even calling a special meeting if necessary. In the
next project meeting or the special meeting, the PM should let the team members’
voice their concern AFTER the PM discusses the reality of the project and how
important it is that the team members work through any discouragement they may
be feeling.
If this project stays in the “red” for a protracted amount
of time, it is easy to see how the team members will lose motivation and become
negative. The PM must take positive steps. First and foremost, the PM must
inform the PMO Lead and the project sponsor, first about the delay and then the
issue of project members becoming dismayed and losing motivation. The PM must
ask for support from both by having them use their influence in getting the
late piece of work that is holding up the project completed as quickly as
possible. Then the PM should ask that both attend the next project meeting to
provide support to the PM and the team.
What if a member remains negative?
If a project team member remains negative, that specific person must be
spoken to and dealt with as quickly as possible. What the PM does not want to happen is having the
negativity of this specific person spreading to other members. The negative person must be
allowed to express his or her views and issues to the PM. The PM must then
assess them and have a plan for this person. If the person has legitimate
issues, the PM must address them. If the person only has issues because the
person is unhappy, it may be time to request that this person be removed from
the project team.
This is not the most pleasant action a PM can take, but it is necessary
at times to ensure that the project moves forward and is completed successfully.
How to deal with the fallout if a member must be removed
The removal of a project member may have a negative impact at first. The PM must be transparent and communicate with the other project members and assure them that this move was in the best interest of the project and the other team members. Once that is done, the PM must ensure that the project gets back on track.
Some of the work a PM must do is
not as pleasant as one would think. The PM has a duty to the other project team
members, the project sponsor, the PMO Lead, and to himself or herself to ensure
that this project is completed successfully.