Project time

I'm happy about an event that I remember seeing a train some time ago. An elderly lady got on the train, with a sack full of the results of the cart one day. Since there are no seats available, they stood in the hallway, hanging from a grim bar. After a few minutes, it was a kind gentleman of similar vintage, and asked if she would like to sit down. Chivalry is not dead, I thought. The woman declined the kind offer. But the man was set, she grabbed his arm and insisted on taking his place.

Then a very interesting thing happened. The answer to lady took me completely by surprise. She moved away from the people very strongly and said, with a strong, clear voice, "I said no thanks, I see how I need a place"? And then knock-out "Sure you need is a lot more than I do." The man sat and nodded his head and saw him beat in the face by a wet fish.

The importance of the history project meetings, is clear. Misunderstandings, false assumptions, lack of commitment, strength, and was injured to show some of what the display and there are also a number of project meetings.

When people ask me about project management, I compare it to an orchestra. Just as the conductor leads the orchestra performance, project lead team's performance. And nowhere is this solution more than the project sessions.

Think of the time spent in project meetings? Meetings are always a good use of project results time? Many would say that most of them are a waste of time. Meetings are more productive, more creative and reach their goals? In addition, many people deny. The problem is that the project is going on in the project meetings, one of the most important factors for project success.

The head can not facilitate the optimal performance, if not all pieces of wood, brass, percussion and strings, etc. in place and working on the same sheet of music. Similarly, the project did not achieve optimal performance in the session to be done on all the important people.

Depending on the piece of music, and what music they play in different parts of the orchestra's management and contribute the most. And depending on the agenda for the meeting and the agenda item, take a different group members lead and help more than others. But most of all may play a role, and sometimes even the smallest piece can be the most important.

As a project manager has the behavior of the orchestra? I have put together my top tips below are presented.

Created and distributed a structured agenda in a timely manner. This compares with the conductor of the orchestra to tell what kind of music is played.
Hold the meeting as small as possible by inviting only those necessary to achieve its agenda. If the wind is not the part which relates to this music is necessary to have them hanging around not overwhelm the room!
Set the scene. Again, the desired outcome of the meeting early. Clarify ambiguities and get everyone on the same sheet of music. Set ground rules and tell them how long does each element and the whole session - and keep to the timetable.
As a smooth through the session. Code of Conduct in a light but firm way and keep the score! Your task is to interpret how the meeting plays (style, tempo, dynamics, feel, communicate articulation) and the group members.
Check the meeting with the leadership of both content and process. Behave in a manner that ensures that all play as a team to the music and when, and transitions from one service to another and from one point to another in an orderly manner. Look at the time and things go along as the agenda. If an impasse is recommended, it may be necessary and wise to the problem in another session, or move off-line sub-session. Clarify confusing statements. Keep it. Identify common ground and areas of agreement and not always too hung up on differences. Summarize and organize ideas and decisions. Test for consensus, such decisions seem to be formed. Maintenance of order - only one vote. Give everyone a chance to participate. Enter estimate of the contributions. Ensure that decisions are clear and sole responsibility will be accepted.
Do not abuse your role as leader. On their own, can the leader's baton regular game, but nothing will be achieved. Players must be heard. And finally, and most importantly in a project;
Make sure you assign a number of decisions and actions received. Make a note of music, or at least the most important events to circulate and review.
End of the session as something of a social event. We thank everyone for their time, their participation and contribution. If a session is rough, smooth ruffled feathers, and some maintenance work on the damaged relationships.

So remember, next time you hit your team to ensure that it becomes a smooth event!