Operations and Supply Chain ManagementProject Management
Summary: The Power of Project Leadership: 7 Keys to Help You Transform from Project Manager to Project Leader by Susanne Madsen (2015)
Introduction
Susanne Madsen’s book, The Power of Project Leadership, offers an insightful guide designed to help project managers evolve into project leaders. Madsen emphasizes a transformation from mere management—focusing on tasks and processes—towards leadership which involves inspiring and guiding teams to achieve greater outcomes. This book condenses the vast complexities of leadership into seven actionable keys, providing concrete examples and specific actions for practitioners.
1. Be Authentic
Authenticity acts as a foundational pillar in leadership. Madsen emphasizes the importance of understanding oneself, including one’s strengths, weaknesses, values, and purpose. Authentic leaders build trust and credibility by being genuine.
- Example: Madsen discusses the case of a project manager who continuously struggled because he mimicked others’ leadership styles. Upon self-reflection and embracing his authentic self, he gained confidence and his team responded positively.
- Action: Conduct a self-assessment to identify core values and strengths. Tools such as the Johari Window or feedback from colleagues can be instrumental in this process.
2. Lead With Vision
Visionary leaders have the ability to look beyond immediate tasks and visualise the end goal. Madsen emphasizes the need for leaders to communicate a clear, inspiring vision that aligns with both the organization’s goals and the team’s aspirations.
- Example: A project in a tech company was floundering until the manager articulated a vision that focused on developing a product that would revolutionize user experience. The team’s sense of purpose and productivity soared.
- Action: Develop a vision statement for your project and regularly communicate this vision to the team. Use storytelling to make the vision relatable and compelling.
3. Improve and Innovate
Continuous improvement and innovation are crucial for sustaining competitiveness. Madsen insists that project leaders must foster a culture of learning and experimentation within their teams, encouraging innovation and active problem-solving.
- Example: A healthcare project faced obstacles with outdated techniques. By adopting a mindset of continuous improvement and encouraging team brainstorming sessions, innovative solutions were implemented, leading to successful project completion.
- Action: Implement regular “lessons learned” meetings and create an environment where team members feel safe to experiment and learn from failures.
4. Empower the Team
Empowering a team involves delegating authority, trusting team members, and providing the necessary resources and support. Madsen argues that empowerment leads to greater ownership, motivation, and creativity.
- Example: Madsen shares the story of a project leader who transitioned from micromanaging to empowering her team. By trusting her team with decision-making, the project saw significant improvements in efficiency and morale.
- Action: Start by delegating meaningful tasks and responsibilities. Provide opportunities for professional development and establish forums for team members to voice their ideas and concerns.
5. Get Close to Your Stakeholders
Building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders is crucial. Madsen emphasizes understanding stakeholders’ needs, expectations, and interests to ensure project alignment and gain their support.
- Example: A project was at risk due to conflicting stakeholder expectations. By adopting a proactive approach and engaging stakeholders through regular communication and updates, the leader managed to realign the project successfully.
- Action: Map out all stakeholders and conduct regular engagement sessions. Use communication plans tailored to stakeholder needs and preferences.
6. Establish a Solid Execution Framework
A project leader must balance visionary leadership with disciplined execution. Madsen highlights the importance of a solid project management framework that includes clear roles, responsibilities, processes, and metrics.
- Example: A manufacturing project suffered from scope creep and schedule delays. By implementing a robust project management framework with defined processes and regular performance tracking, the project was brought back on track.
- Action: Develop and document a project plan with comprehensive processes and procedures. Use tools like Gantt charts, RACI matrices, and regular progress reviews to maintain control.
7. Lead with Courage
Courage in leadership involves making tough decisions, challenging the status quo, and standing up for what is right. Madsen asserts that courageous leaders influence positive change and inspire their teams to perform at their best.
- Example: When a project faced ethical dilemmas, the leader chose to address these issues openly with the team and the higher management rather than hiding them. This transparency built trust and reinforced the team’s integrity.
- Action: Reflect on past decisions and identify areas where courage was lacking. Develop a personal action plan that includes taking calculated risks and confronting challenges directly.
Conclusion
Susanne Madsen’s book is a transformative guide for any project manager aspiring to become a project leader. By applying the seven keys—authenticity, vision, continuous improvement, empowerment, stakeholder engagement, solid execution, and courage—leaders can not only enhance their own effectiveness but also inspire their teams to reach new heights. Every chapter is enriched with real-life examples and clearly outlined actions, making The Power of Project Leadership an invaluable resource for practitioners in the field of project management. As emphasized throughout, the transition from manager to leader is a journey of continuous growth, learning, and self-discovery, driven by a commitment to fostering a collaborative and visionary culture that achieves remarkable project outcomes.