Don’t you know those folks who just light up a room when they walk in? As soon as they stroll in something changes. A dynamic is present, even if they don’t immediately burst into a song and dance routine, expectation is in the air.
So how do I get some of those winning ways as a project manager? Over the years, and based on interaction with hundreds of project managers, I have come to learn one thing.
There is not just one thing!
Because this could turn into a big topic I am going to start with what the most important factor in becoming influential with others. Your Outlook!
Now, I am not talking about the email program you might be using to read this copy but rather your entire outlook on life. We hear so much about personality, courage, persistence, quality and other great human traits. However, it’s usually when we are faced with challenges that we find what we are truly made of. The feelings of butterflies when walking to the podium for the first time, the job interview, marriage proposal, final tests … all make up our Outlook on life. Are we prepared? Do we have confidence? Did we invest enough energy in advance?
One of the most annoying factors in my early career was meeting someone with a great Outlook; brimming with confidence, but what appeared to be little in the way of skills to back them up. Little did I know that the real skill they possessed as a result of this great Outlook and confidence was leadership!
If you don’t like your Outlook and want to change it, guess what? It’s possible. You too can become a lion in your own environment. Regal, powerful and full of leadership. (Hopefully you don’t pick up some of the other characteristics of a lion.) Here’s what’s on my list for a good Outlook.
- Looks at the big picture as well as the details that matter
- Cares about the people as well as the outcome
- Willing to take risk when needed, but knows how to reduce it quickly
- Integrates the experience of the entire team, not just their knowledge
- Wants the overall result to be successful, not for themselves but for the team or mission. (Really!)
- Will not allow others to derail the project for personal or other motives
- Display confidence with optimism, but does not set unrealistic deadlines or goals
- Knows how to communicate like a satellite dish
There, now do you feel better ? Next time you go into your project, pick one of these items and add it to your list. I try it all the time on mine!
Excellant article. I have already passed it on to several managers in our IT department as well as individuals who could use an ‘Outlook make over’.
Thanks,
Bryan