People Management-- An Important Skill

Successfully managing a project requires the skillful handling of people, as well as the application of the right tools and processes. In this article, we'll discuss some best practices for managing the people in your project.

Management—A Complex Skill

Management is a complex skill that combines a deep understanding of people with a strong work ethic. It is more than simply knowing how to manage tasks and resources; it is a blend of knowing the people you manage and understanding the environment you are managing in.

Management requires an understanding of relationships and emotions, and how to motivate people towards a common goal. It also requires the capacity to understand the needs of the business and how to manage those needs in a way that can benefit the business.

Management is 10% work and 90% People

The 10% work and 90% people breakdown is a good guideline for how a manager should approach their role. It is important to remember that a manager is responsible for both tasks and people, and that the two are intertwined. It is impossible to successfully manage people without also understanding their tasks, and vice versa.

The 10% work component includes the practical tasks that need to be carried out, such as

• Assigning tasks

• Organizing resources

• Managing conflicts

The 90% people component includes activities such as

• Developing relationships with team members

• Understanding their strengths and weaknesses

• Providing a supportive and encouraging environment

5 Best Practices for People Management

Set Clear Expectations

When it comes to managing people, one of the most important aspects is to have clear expectations. Before beginning any project, take the time to document the goal of the project, the timeline for completion, the expected deliverables, and any other details that need to be discussed. These expectations should be communicated clearly to all members of the project team.

Establish Accountability

Another important part of managing people is to create a culture of accountability. This means clearly outlining roles and responsibilities and assigning them to specific team members. Each team member should know exactly what is expected of them, and they should be held responsible for completing their tasks on time and to the highest possible standard.

Offer Rewards

One of the best ways to motivate team members is to offer rewards for hard work and successful completion of tasks. These rewards can be monetary, such as bonuses, or they can be non-monetary, such as recognition awards. No matter what type of reward you choose, it's important to make sure your team knows how much you appreciate their hard work and dedication to the project.

Track Progress

In order to effectively manage people in a project, it's important to track progress. Set up systems that allow you to monitor how far along each team member is in completing their tasks, so that you can ensure that everyone is on track. The use of project management software can be very helpful for this.

Foster Collaboration

Finally, it's important to foster collaboration among team members. When everyone is working together, it can help to keep everyone motivated and on track. Encourage team members to share ideas, ask questions, and give feedback.

Conclusion

By following the best practices for managing people in a project, you'll be able to create a successful project that meets its goals. Setting expectations, establishing accountability, offering rewards, tracking progress, and fostering collaboration are all essential elements of successful project management. Ultimately, management is about creating an atmosphere of trust and respect where people can work together to achieve a greater goal. By understanding the work and people components and balancing them with skill, a manager can create an environment where everyone can thrive.