The next blog in our continuing series of the Agile + Analytics PM series. This series has so far shown you how necessary agile PM is in the analytics space, how to manage your calendar with both meetings AND work, and how preparation is key to a successful project. We thought it was due time to focus on the people – the way in which our work gets done – for without these people or our project teams, we could not do what we do so well.
Although I’ve never quite understood the phrase, you’ve certainly heard ‘You catch more flies with honey.’ We often times get so wrapped up with what ISN’T right that we forget to look at what’s going well. Taking a few moments out of your week (or day, even!) to commend your team on a job well done will go a long way. Take it even further by sending a company-wide accolade and see how positivity spreads like wild fire. Taking this time shows your team and co-workers that you’re not just a squeaky wheel, focused solely on the client/project success, but rather that you’re an appreciative member of the team and no job-well-done goes unnoticed. That you’re equally invested in your team’s success and happiness as well as the client’s. A pat on the back results in a positive team environment – and a positive team is a productive team.
Keep It Real
Praising your teammate and colleague should be direct, personal and sincere. Never say anything you don’t mean – each word that your mouth utters is a reflection of your character and will be used as such. Take this opportunity to show how grateful you are for whatever skills makes your job easier and how genuine your appreciation is. For interdependence is necessary in a successful agile work environment and as a PM, you’re not successful unless your team is successful.
Spread the Wealth
Not everyone is an A player – if that were the case we would have no need for junior and senior roles. Everyone brings their own level of awesomeness to the project, and although some folks’ awesomeness may be less visible than others, be sure you commend everyone for their talents. Don’t necessarily go about it in the ‘everyone-gets-a-participation-ribbon’ approach – rather try to make sure you’re looking at your team holistically and fully know each of their weaknesses AND strengths.
Encourage the Wild Fire
Friendly and professional expressions of gratitude and appreciation don’t always have to come from the team leader. Here at Numeric we go out of our way to ensure all team members have a chance to callout their colleagues and showcase their creative solutions and integral team participation during monthly company meetings. Feeling the love by your teammates is just as important as feeling the love from your managers, so encourage your team to trade off shout-outs and give them the opportunity to shine in front of their work family.
Practice Makes Perfect
You may be one of those people that struggles with taking a compliment, and more so, struggles with giving direct feedback (that ‘awkward’ moment). But don’t fret – as with any good habit it takes practice, practice, practice. If your day seems too busy to stop and ‘smell the roses,’ set yourself a reminder, or better yet, block time on your calendar once a week (or once/day!) to give yourself 30 minutes to think through the week’s successes and reach out to commend those people on how they supported your success. The KIS method never fails (Keep It Simple) so stick to these three guidelines and you’ll be golden; 1) Identify the ‘win’ and the person who contributed, 2) Spend 5 minutes preparing a 2-3 sentence of gratitude (include the what and the why – what they did and why it was awesome) and 3) do this in private or public, whichever suits you best.
When you feel genuinely happy and thankful for your team, none of this will seem burdensome. You will find yourself taking several moments out of the day to thank folks for their contributions, if you don’t do that already. A smile lasts for miles – and while a pinch can grow an inch, why not grow a mile instead?
Further Reading
The Agile + Analytics Project Manager: How to Make Preparation a Priority
PMO: Grace Under Pressure – Managing the Chaos
