Looking for ways to improve your project success? People matter more than technology and processes. However, project managers rarely choose their teams. Let's discuss how to manage pre-assigned project resources.
Are you working in an organization where your project resources are preassigned? Do you often feel like you get the leftover resources? Are you frustrated by the demands to deliver with inadequate resources? Here are some strategies to help you obtain the resources you need.
- Negotiate. First, determine who assigns the resources? Is it a functional manager? Does your organization have a resource manager? Will a vendor or supplier provide resources? Second, meet to discuss the project's goals and the knowledge and skills required for success. Third, recommend resources for the team.
- Influence. What do we do if we work for a large organization where we do not have access to the individuals making the assignments? Someone has access to these people. Does your sponsor have access? Does your manager have the right connections? If so, influence the people you know and make your case. Ask your connections to influence the decision makers.
- Acquire outside resources. When your organization lacks staff to complete the required project activities, see if you can acquire outside resources. Here is one reason that project managers need to be involved in projects early. You can make your case and build the resource cost into your budget.
- Develop your teams. At the end of the day, you will be assigned teams. Guess what? The teams will not be perfect. What skills and competencies are lacking? Are the team members motivated? What do you need to do to improve overall project performance? Look for ways to enhance knowledge and skills, create team-building opportunities, foster trust, and promote collaboration.
Doing the Same Things, Expecting Different Results
Many organizations struggle with underperforming projects. Why does this happen? Organizations often fail to define their projects effectively and accurately understand the resource requirements.
Overcommitment is another major culprit. Organizations often take on more projects than their teams can reasonably handle. The result? Burnout, missed deadlines, and high turnover among stressed employees.
In addition, many organizations fail to anticipate or address resource bottlenecks. They don’t consistently identify, acquire, or develop the critical skills and knowledge required to deliver results effectively.
I am sometimes asked to review an organization’s resource challenges and help them identify solutions. My response? Do fewer projects better. Unfortunately, most organizations fail to curb their appetites and continue doing the same things, expecting different results.