Project Shrink Rerun: Importance Of Trust

On “Project Shrink” a recurring theme is “trust”. The following postings are among my favorites within this topic:

Judging Project Managers In 10 Minutes

“If you have 10 minutes, how do you judge a project manager?” The best summary of the responses is given by this statement: “If they just use jargon from the PMBok, I put them on the lower end of the scale. If they talk about the importance of stakeholders and people in general I put them on the high end of the scale. The PMBok hardly covers stakeholders, so they must have been in the trenches.”

Rome

Filter And Drainage – Trust Running Through The Team

“As anyone that has worked some time in projects will tell you, the purifying element in teams is trust. Trust will enable smooth operations among the group members, it creates flexibility and creativity. Not every free floating developer will be able to enter the pond. The project should have some kind of filter, some door-policy who may enter and who doesn’t.”

Bottoms Up: Leadership Style For A Better World

“A main force behind my thinking is the conviction that a management style from the bottom up, instead of top down is more effective. Main reason for this is that by being stimulating and facilitating people are better equipped to perform their tasks: higher motivation, less stressed and more able to absorb complexity. … I am convinced that if this style of management is in your brain, you have a more tolerating, productive and positive mind set, one that is based upon trust instead of fear. I am convinced that educating around the globe about this style (instead of the old top-down directive leadership style) will have an amazing impact on more than just how businesses are run. It is about a better human-human interaction.”

Challenges For Trust On A Global Scale

But even when the (reputation) system is working properly, even when transparency makes sure people’s behavior will be noted around the globe, this doesn’t mean you can reap the benefits for your project or business. With a good reputation there is a lot to gain, but having a bad rep puts a lot at stake. So people will play things safe. They will create low-risk behavior, ultimately resulting in mediocrity…”