The ability to coordinate people, tasks, time and money. Sounds easy enough …. just like controlling the paths of planes – provide direction and it all moves along smoothly – most of the time!

A key component to managing projects is a system. We use Basecamp, a 37 Signals product, that allows for time tracking, to-do items and milestones to be managed; a place to store files and most importantly, one location for all project communications to take place. Once a new client comes on board, a project is set up and the team is assembled and we start the process!

Being a master communicator is an essential part of Project Management. In our case a great deal of DemGen communication is done via email or Basecamp messages, Skype, and of course, nothing beats a phone call especially when hearing the tone in someone’s voice helps with clarity on a message!

An empowered team is another requirement for project success! Bring together a team that feels confident in supporting the goals and outcomes, is included in dialogue and decisions, and collectively moves the needle forward for results. Each member of the team must own their tasks, be accountable and provide status updates, and ensure their unique strengths are leveraged.

As a Project Manager, we need to be a role model. Treat your team with respect and love, establish motivation and set standards … and above all, BE A MEMBER OF THE TEAM! When the sleeves need to be rolled up – dig in; when the going gets tough – stand alongside the team; and when there is cause for celebration – celebrate. Enjoy the fruits of your management, it is very rewarding!

Trying to manage a project without project management is like trying to play a football game without a game plan.

K. Tate

Operations keeps the lights on, strategy provides a light at the end of the tunnel, but project management is the train engine that moves the organization forward.

Joy Gumz

Pam Christie

© 2012 DemGen  All Rights Reserved.

My original title for this post was “Managing a Virtual Team” and then I realized, it isn’t  about the management – it is about the support of a leader that makes a successful team.

How do you support a team of virtual independent contractors? Really in much the same way any team or group should be supported – with love, leadership and laughter.

• Sending love notes to them “just because”, being available to celebrate with them or help them talk through a concern or issue, finding the best way to handle any lessons that come from results, feedback or completed / uncompleted tasks.
• Maintaining consistent communication that includes open dialogue through regularly scheduled support calls, emails or messages via a project management tool like Basecamp, even Skype conversations that result from a quick hello!
• Considering the “whole” person – these people are not just “staff”, they are family! They all have lives outside of DemGen that include extended family, extracurricular activities, hobbies and interests. Getting to know them for more than just their unique abilities on the DemGen team. Being there when a family member is not well, cheering for their kids activities, embracing them fully and completely.
• Not always being right! That wasn’t an easy lesson – it comes with maturity and being aware that I could learn something from each and every person. I had to let go of some past notions that came from working by myself – now I had a group of people who also cared about DemGen as much as I did.
• By having fun – heaps and mounds of it! Share jokes, fun videos, songs, crazy theme days – asking them to join the DemGen ‘playground’ … and sure we are serious too, but making every day joyful and fun means we are even better at providing the services to clients and each other!

Pam Christie

© 2012 DemGen  All Rights Reserved.