Vacation 1

[Onyxpurr]

I have been put in charge of my first project with team members and the project has been going pretty well. However I just took a week of vacation and feel that things may have run a little more smoothly while I was gone. My team members did not meet and a big key decision was made without calling me to let me know (I did make it know that I would be available via cell phone.)

Some things are obvious as to what I could have done better (e.g. put a specific person in charge to make sure the meeting was held and notes taken), however what are some other things that you do that I could have done to make sure I feel I can take another vacation someday?

 

[rphips]

Hey Onyxpurr

You should be proud of your group, It is a sign of a good manager if they can take vacation and the project still runs smooth. From what your telling us you have done everything correctly - you team functions as one, capable of making presice and correct choices. It is nice to know that you don't have a atmosphere of micro-management, and you allow your team to be part of the decision making.

As long as you are aware of the decision and have the ability to veto and guide your team then the team stretching their legs and making a tough decision is a direct reflection on how good you are as a project leader.

Be proud of yourself and your team -

Meetings are just that meetings that would keep you updated your team is working as a team and probely felt like they didn't need to update each other since they all ready knew what each other was doing.

Like I said be proud and don't fall into the trap of MICRO-MANAGEMNET.


bob

"ZOINKS !!!!!"

Shaggy

 

[DoubleD]

After re-reading your post, I now get the impression that you feel things did not run as smoothly as you would have liked while you were gone.
Their should always be someone clearly defined as the backup when you are not available, otherwise, what happens when you get hit by the proverbial beer truck on the way to work?
What were your expectations of them? Did you say, "Here's my cell phone number if you need to contact me." or "Please call me on my cell phone if any important decisions need to be made.". If the group feels comfortable making decisions, there is a world of difference between the two previous statements. I expect my team to get along fine without me, and would only expect them to call me if they did not feel comfortable making a decision.
The less your project team needs you, the better job you've done managing them.


Pain is stress leaving the body.

DoubleD

 

[Onyxpurr]

The problem was that a major decision was made without the proper authority. The decision should have been cleared by the Project Owner and that person wasn't even asked. They were on vacation Friday and the decision and announcement was pushed through on that day. The decision itself was not based on any new information. Also, the decision was made by only a quarter of the team and by other people who are not part of the team.

Perhaps you're right. Maybe I'm just out of joint because I'm a control freak.

Thank you for the feedback!

 

[DoubleD]

Sounds like its a communication issue more than anything else. Make sure you discuss the situation with your team so they understand what your expectations are the next time something like this pops up. You could say something like, "I really appreciate that you guys took charge and made that decision, however, I'd appreciate it if you consulted me next time just so I can ensure the appropriate individuals are involved."

Remember: It's easier to beg for forgiveness then ask for permission.

Pain is stress leaving the body.

DoubleD

 

[MDXer]

was the decision made recieved as a sound decision or was it overturned?

If it was accepted then nothing went wrong. your team spotted an issue and acted upon it. If the project owner was not available they could have shelved that prtion and moved forward. Also if the decision made benefitted the project then you should back your team to others outside your group and let them know that processes are being put in place to avoid simliar situations, while at the same time address your concerns with the group and how you as a team can avoid situations like this in the future. If you make it appear your team was wrong for takin initiative then resentment in th group may start to happen.

Things to consider are:

Was the decision a sound one.
Was the decision made in benefit of the project.
Would you have made a similiar choice.
Of those who did make the decision were they people who you would have sought the opinions of.

If the decsion made was a bad one and later overturned then you still needed to publicly support your team and work with them on putting the process into place.

Shoot Me! Shoot Me NOW!!!
- Daffy Duck

 

[DoubleD]

MDXer,
Excellent point! As a team leader you should always back your teams decisions in public. Your team will appreciate it, and want to work that much harder to ensure they are supporting you. Then discussing the issue with them in private helps them understand where your coming from and how you expect them to change their behavior in the future.

Pain is stress leaving the body.

DoubleD

 

[Onyxpurr]

Thank you for the input!

Outcome: Project went very well. All of our team was recognized for our efforts and I received a special award. I had a closeout meeting and all my team members were very happy with the outcome. Learned some things though which is always good.

Thanks again!!