Tom Peters a highly regarded
speaker and writer said it best in his book The Project 50, “as project
managers we should not try to convert our project enemies by overcoming their
objections” and I would add through appeasement. Tom states “we should set out
to surround and marginalize them; additionally, the most effective change
agents ignore the barbs and darts, their time is spent on allies and likely
allies”.
It seems to be in our nature to
take on those that oppose us, particularly if they have been attacking us
behind our backs. This taking on of the opposition is a waste of valuable
project time and detracts the project manager from the task at hand. All projects
will have detractors, whiners, and complainers. Don’t waste your time trying to
convince them of the error of their ways. Let your project’s results answer
your critics!
As project managers we need to
spend our time working with our advocates and supporters, not answering our
critics. If you say you don’t have critics on your project than I say you
probably aren’t a very good project manager. The project manager that has
friends everywhere on his projects is usually trying to satisfy everyone, and many
times at the end of their project – if it ever ends – there will be low overall
satisfaction due to all of the tradeoffs that were made between all of the
competing interests.
When you push people, demand
excellence, set deadlines, push for quality, hold individuals accountable, and
are firm on agreed upon commitments you are going to ruffle some feathers. Get
over it, and realize no matter what you do on your project there will always be
detractors. Just don’t let the detractors sway you from implementing your
project on time, on budget, within requirements, and most importantly with a
satisfied customer as your biggest fan.
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