You have been assigned the Project Management role for your high-profile HCM Implementation. When you hear the word project manager, what immediately comes to mind? A person at the front of a conference table or in the speaking box of a Zoom or Teams call? A person with many reports, collecting project task updates to identify and eliminate risk(s) all so the project can succeed, completed in scope, on time, and on budget?
Successful Project Management is so much more than that. While the definition of a successful project can be based on one’s perspective, ultimately, the critical element will always be Leadership. And the most successful style of leadership is known as Collaborative Leadership or “leading from the side.” In today’s blog, we look at the three benefits of this leadership style as a Project Manager. The three key benefits are:
- Active Project Team Engagement
- Improved Conflict Resolution and Problem Solving
- Empowered Team Members
Active Engagement
A collaborative leadership approach welcomes ACTIVE engagement by team members, which results in positive and productive outcomes. A project team working with a leader that partners with them will not just be involved but will be attentive and enthusiastic.
In a Collaborative Leadership environment, project teams can quickly align to a vision and purpose. Once aligned, your team can work together towards exceeding the project’s goals and objectives. As a collaborative leader, you solicit opinions, which are valued in this inclusive environment. This environment allows team members to take ownership of their work and decisions. They are empowered and recognized as experts.
Improved Conflict Resolution and Problem Solving
Collaborative Leadership also improves conflict resolution and problem-solving. You facilitate a resolution to disagreements with healthy, respectful, and fair conversations. This approach provides opportunities to receive feedback to help the team grow and find holistically beneficial solutions.
When leading a team from the front, the leader is the visionary who deals with issues and takes the initiative to solve them. When you lead from the back, you act as a coach, providing guidance and support. However, when you lead a team from the side with “a collaborative partnership style,” your HCM project will thrive on ideas and innovative solutions. Solutions that create value in achieving goals and allow you to balance different perspectives to build stronger relationships needed to address challenges, develop leaders, and create empowerment.
Take the time to learn and practice how to be a collaborative leader. An empowered team is a successful team.
Need help with Project Management for your HCM Implementation? Read more about our Client Side Project management and contact us here to talk to us about your project needs.
About the Author
Gia Evans, a talented, collaborative leader, brings over 17 years of HR, Payroll, Benefits Administration, Workforce Management and Talent Management experience to the HRchitect team. Gia is a results-driven project and change manager who thrives in continuously evolving, innovative and exciting environments. She has proven success leading complex projects and managing the complete project life cycle to implement HCM solutions.
Gia received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing) from Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC.
Learn more about Gia on LinkedIn.