There are many valuable books, training courses, and articles on leadership. Within these resources, there are a plethora of approaches, techniques, models, and theories. Whether you prescribe to a specific method or not, you can apply three basic principles right now to lead your project to success. Your team will see you as a great leader if you engage them from the beginning, encourage them throughout, and exchange communication effectively.
Mimi Stevenson, great leader and great teacher, demonstrates how she implements these principles to lead her team to success.
The students sat comfortably on the rug awaiting instruction. Ms. Stevenson began by stating this was going to be their math lesson, which would incorporate reviewing different types of numerals while also integrating reading skills and life skills. She asked the students why they thought it was important to read. The students had many answers, including the one she wanted to solicit – that people read to find information. Ms. Stevenson gave examples of how we all use this skill, e.g., a newspaper. People may not read every article, but rather scan for specific information such as the weather forecast or the results of a sporting event. Ms. Stevenson explored different forms that numbers take and displayed the myriad of suggestions from all of the students on the black board. The students are fully prepared for the activity, a numeral scavenger hunt using the newspaper. Ms. Stevenson gave the directions, again pointed out the examples on the board, checked for understanding, and divided them into groups. Each group was given a color-coded bag with everything they needed to complete the activity. Group dynamics affected their productivity, however, Ms. Stevenson was monitoring, encouraging, and guiding their progress. Her proximity, tone, and verbal communication impacted the progress of each group. She empowered them to complete their project and the students were proud of their success.
Engage from the beginning.
In the example above, Ms. Stevenson has the students’ attention. They are excited to be working on the rug; they are invested and ready to begin the project. She has introduced the objectives and ensured that all of the students are participating in the discussion. Her enthusiasm for the project is contagious.
Project managers have the responsibility to ensure that all team members are engaged in the project. Whether the team is centrally located or spans the globe, every member must feel included, important, and valued. Team buy-in may be affected negatively if you allow certain individuals to dominate team communications. Engage your team members frequently by asking questions, requesting input, and interacting often. Your members are unique; so engage with varied, lively approaches – this may help morale and motivation as well. In addition, it is important to engage each member from the beginning so that he or she will be committed throughout the project.
Encourage throughout.
Ms. Stevenson knows how important positive reinforcement is for the students. She is setting them up not only to learn types of numerals, but also to love the learning process. Throughout the project, she offers accolades, guidance, group support, and individual redirection. Overall, she is inspiring them to succeed.
Would your team members say that you inspire them to greatness? According to James M. Kouzes and Barry Posner in their book, The Leadership Challenge, leaders need to encourage the heart. Verbalize your support and demonstrate that you believe in them, are behind them, and trust them to complete their job to their best ability; you will see them rise to the occasion. By encouraging them on a continual basis, you will be forging a supportive relationship with your team. Kouzes and Posner state that success in leading is “dependent upon the capacity to build and sustain those human relationships that enable people to get extraordinary things done on a regular basis.”1 Encourage and inspire so that your team will want to follow.
Exchange communication effectively.
Ms. Stevenson gives directions while conveying the importance of the tasks that are entailed in the project. Beyond just the completed scavenger hunt, she relays that they are practicing a skill that adults use everyday. She allows questions and fully explains her answers. Ms. Stevenson is available to respond to questions and issues all through the project.
Do not squelch your inquisitive team members. It is human nature to ask why. Provide explanations. If your team does not fully understand your goals, objectives, or vision, you may be opening up yourself to apathy or distrust down the road. As the project lead, you must establish that everyone involved in the project knows what is being done by who, how it will be accomplished, and why it is being done a particular way. Communication is paramount.
Ms. Stevenson has been leading her team to learn and complete projects on a regular basis successfully for the past 25 years. While it was observed that Ms. Stevenson possesses several positive qualities that make her a great leader, the three that were most evident for this project were her ability to engage all of the students, to encourage them to complete the work, and to communicate in an effective manner. Do not forget that you are managing people along with managing the project. The way you lead your team will influence their competence and commitment: engage, encourage, exchange.
1Kouzes, James M. and Barry Z. Posner. The Leadership Challenge. Jossey-Bass: 2002, p. 21.
*Special thank you to Mimi Stevenson at Stoddert Elementary School in Washington, DC, and her amazing, energetic, and smart students: Alex, Amber, Barclay, Conrad, Danny, Douglas, Erin, Hannah, Harrison, Julia, Morgan, Nina, and Tina.