This led me to think about project management roles which people say are
often unclear. They tell me this lack of clarity leads to problems of
decisions making, monitoring and control areas and obtaining the right
resources at the right time among many other issues.
On project management training events I ask people to look at the role(s)
they play in projects. It is interesting that a lot of people find this
activity difficult. Why? Because the person doing the training has not had
their role clarified i.e. are they project manager, or a team member or
something else?
It is even more interesting for those who think project roles are clear.
Some people have sat back and smiled saying all is well; until I ask a
series of questions such as:
- · Do the named individuals know that the role you have given them is
theirs for the project?
- · What do they actually do in the project compared to what they should be
doing?
- · Do they carry out the role (of say project manager) effectively?
- · What authority do these people have within the project?
More often than not I have to suggest that people go back and start to
ask some questions about roles and do this quickly. I also point out that if
this part of the project management process is not done or done right then
it does not bode well for the project. It can also mean you have duplication
of role(s), something I have seen several times.
If you are not clear about your role in a project how likely is it that
the project will be delivered on time and to budget with the right results?
Spend time up front identifying the role you play, make life easier for
those trying to deliver projects and if you are one of those who is faced
with not knowing what your role is then I suggest you raise your head above
the parapet and ask some tough questions, and keep on asking until roles are
clear AND documented. If you are some senior who “gives out” projects then I
suggest you obtain some clarity of the role quickly, otherwise the gaps will
show up at sometime in the project.
About The Author:
Ron Rosenhead helps people deliver projects on time, to budget and with
the right results. Get your free e-course at
www.projectagency.co.uk
