Iwan Rasjid’s Post

Here is a great article on the power of strategic questions to transform teams. Recently, I used open-ended questions to uncover the root cause of a team roadblock. It helped us get everyone aligned and back on track. The article also emphasizes the importance of avoiding accusatory language when asking questions. It really struck a chord with me, as creating a safe space for open dialogue is crucial for project success. What are your experiences with using questions to navigate project challenges?

Effective management hinges on the ability to ask pertinent questions, a skill often overlooked even by seasoned managers. It's easy to fall into the trap of assuming that asking questions is a natural part of communication, but no, it's much more important than that.  Read from the experts: "How Project Managers Can Transform Teams Through Strategic Questions." #project #communications #team #confidence #trust #toptal

Building and maintaining a high-performing team is crucial for project success. As a team member, I've witnessed the incredible outcomes of a high-performing team. High-performing teams need to have the following key qualities: ▶ Open communication: An environment that fosters open and safe communication allows for productive meetings, problem solving, brainstorming, and so forth. It is also the cornerstone for other factors, such as shared understanding, trust, and collaboration. ▶ Shared understanding: The purpose for the project and the benefits it will provide are held in common. ▶ Shared ownership: The more ownership of the outcomes that project team members feel, the better they are likely to perform. ▶ Trust: A project team in which its members trust each other is willing to go the extra distance to deliver success. People are less likely to do the extra work it may take to succeed if they do not trust their project team members, project manager, or the organization. ▶ Collaboration: Project teams that collaborate and work with each other rather than work in silos or compete tend to generate more diverse ideas and end up with better outcomes. ▶ Adaptability: Project teams that are able to adapt the way they work to the environment and the situation are more effective. ▶ Resilience: When issues or failures occur, high-performing project teams recover quickly. ▶ Empowerment: Project team members who feel empowered to make decisions about the way they work perform better than those who are micromanaged. ▶ Recognition: Project teams who are recognized for the work they put in and the performance they achieve are more likely to continue to perform well. Even the simple act of showing appreciation reinforces positive team behavior #HighPerformingTeams #OpenToLearn #TeamExcellence #Collaboration

Powerful Conversations: How Project Managers Can Transform Teams Through Strategic Questions

👂 UNLEASHING THE POWER OF LISTENING: A GAME-CHANGER IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT 👂   "Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply." - Stephen R. Covey   In the dynamic arena of project management, the ability to listen goes beyond mere hearing; it becomes a potent force that can reshape outcomes and elevate team dynamics. Let's explore the transformative potential of listening well and how it can be the secret ingredient to project success.   🌐 BUILDING STRONGER TEAM CONNECTIONS 🌐   Listening is the cornerstone of effective communication. When team members feel heard and understood, a sense of connection flourishes. This connection lays the groundwork for trust, collaboration, and a collective commitment to the project's success. In a world where communication is often rushed, taking the time to truly listen can be a game-changer.   🔍 UNCOVERING HIDDEN INSIGHTS 🔍   Every team member brings a unique perspective to the table. By actively listening, project managers can tap into a wealth of diverse insights. These insights can be invaluable in problem-solving, innovation, and decision-making. Listening well isn't just about hearing words; it's about understanding the underlying meaning and tapping into the collective intelligence of the team.   🌱 FUELING INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY 🌱   In the quest for project success, innovation is a key driver. Actively listening to team members fosters an environment where creative ideas can flourish. It's in these moments of attentive listening that breakthrough solutions often emerge. The fertile ground of open ears nurtures a culture where every team member feels encouraged to contribute their unique ideas.   🌟 ENHANCING LEADERSHIP EFFECTIVENESS 🌟   Leadership is not just about giving orders; it's about understanding and guiding. By mastering the art of listening, project managers can tailor their leadership approach to the needs and concerns of the team. This adaptability builds a more resilient and responsive leadership style, earning the respect and loyalty of the team.   🤔 ARE YOU TRULY LISTENING? 🤔   As you navigate the complexities of project management, ask yourself: Are you actively listening to your team, stakeholders, and clients? The potential of listening well goes far beyond words; it's the catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and project excellence. #ProjectManagement #ListeningSkills #LeadershipExcellence #TeamCollaboration #CommunicationMatters #ProjectSuccess #InnovationInPM #EffectiveLeadership #UnderstandingTeams #UnlockingPotential #ActiveListening

UNLEASHING PROJECT POTENTIAL: THE POWER OF LISTENING   "The most basic of all human needs is the need to understand and be understood. The best way to understand people is to listen to them." - Ralph G. Nichols   In the cacophony of project management, amidst timelines and deliverables, one often overlooked skill stands as a beacon of success: listening. Yet, it's more than just hearing words; it's about truly understanding the underlying currents. Let's delve into the transformative power of listening in project management.   Building Trust and Rapport: When team members feel heard and understood, trust flourishes. Actively listening to their concerns, ideas, and feedback fosters a culture of openness and collaboration. This trust forms the bedrock upon which successful projects are built.   Uncovering Hidden Insights: Beneath the surface of every conversation lie valuable insights waiting to be unearthed. By listening attentively, project managers can glean deeper understanding, identify potential risks, and uncover innovative solutions. Every word spoken holds the key to unlocking project potential.   Fostering Empathy and Connection: Listening transcends mere communication; it cultivates empathy and connection. By stepping into the shoes of team members and stakeholders, project managers can gain perspective, anticipate needs, and forge stronger relationships. Empathy breeds unity, driving teams towards shared goals.   Mitigating Misunderstandings and Conflicts: Miscommunications can derail even the most meticulously planned projects. Active listening serves as a shield against misunderstandings and conflicts. By clarifying expectations and addressing concerns upfront, project managers can nip potential issues in the bud, keeping projects on track.   Empowering Inclusive Decision-Making: Inclusive decision-making lies at the heart of successful projects. By listening to diverse perspectives and valuing every voice, project managers can make informed decisions that resonate with all stakeholders. Inclusion isn't just about being heard; it's about feeling valued and respected.   Driving Continuous Improvement: Listening isn't a one-time endeavor; it's a journey towards continuous improvement. By soliciting feedback, reflecting on lessons learned, and adapting strategies accordingly, project managers can propel projects towards greater efficiency and success.   Now, reflect on your own approach: How do you harness the power of listening in your project management endeavors? Share your insights below! #ProjectManagement #ListeningSkills #Communication #Empathy #Teamwork #Leadership #TrustBuilding #ConflictResolution #ContinuousImprovement

Navigating Team Dynamics: The Project Manager’s Guide to Effective Communication In the fast-paced realm of project management, effective communication serves as the linchpin that holds teams together and drives success. As project managers, our ability to navigate the intricate web of team dynamics, foster collaboration, and uphold ethical standards in communication is pivotal. In this article, we explore the critical role of communication in project management and delve into strategies for overcoming common challenges. From understanding the stages of team development to harnessing the power of technology, let's embark on a journey to unlock the secrets of communication excellence in project management. #ProjectManagement #TeamCommunication #Leadership #Collaboration #TeamDynamics #EffectiveCommunication #ConflictResolution #TrustBuilding #EthicalDecisionMaking #TechnologyinCommunication #ProjectSuccess #DiversityinTeams #Transparency #ListeningSkills #CommunicationStrategies #DigitalCollaboration #Teamwork #GoalSetting #ProblemSolving #CommunicationChallenges

The 5 phases of project team development: Forming, Storming, Norming, Storming, & Mourning 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 The initial phase where the team meets and learns about the project. Pro: High enthusiasm (this is gonna be awesome!) Channel that enthusiasm into defining clear project goals. Con: Unclear roles (what am I even doing here!?). Clarify roles and responsibilities early on - and not just on paper. 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 This is when the honeymoon ends, conflict arises, and personalities clash. Pro: Emergence of ideas (trust me, this is brilliant!). Con: Potential for conflict (you can't be serious...). Managing Pro: Encourage constructive debate to foster innovation - see "burstiness." Managing Con: Develop conflict resolution strategies to maintain progress. AKA, have veryone take a Crossfit class together. 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 Team members resolve differences, developing closer relationships and cohesiveness. Respect. Pro: Increased collaboration (I know what you can do). Con: Complacency risk (the new's worn off). Managing Pro: Leverage collaboration to enhance project efficiency. Managing Con: Set challenging goals (to which everyone agrees!) to keep the team engaged and growing. 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 The team reaches optimal functioning, focusing on reaching the project goals. AKA: We are SPARTA!!! Pro: High productivity. Con: Overlooked maintenance. Managing Pro: Capitalize on productivity to innovate and improve processes. Removing formality is as important as establishing it. Managing Con: Schedule regular check-ins to ensure continuous improvement. No one uses all their budget. Blows my mind. 𝗔𝗱𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 (AKA Mourning) Concluding the project, the team disbands or transitions to new projects. Pro: Sense of achievement (share that customer video!). Con: Team disbandment (we'll always have Paris...). Managing Pro: Celebrate successes and capture learnings for future projects. Most people don't really know how to do this. Managing Con: I don't have any advice on this one. There's a piece of me that will always want to go back. Each of these phases are so full of memories. Write them down. Not many people shed more tears of both joy and grief at work than Project Managers. Hang in there, guys - it's Friday. #MedTech #ProjectManagement #Leadership

The Power of the Right Question: Why Great Project Managers Ask More Than They Answer As project managers, we wear many hats. We juggle tasks, manage teams, and navigate roadblocks. But one of the most crucial, and often underrated, skills is the art of asking questions. Sure, we provide answers and direction, but the right questions can be far more powerful. They unlock deeper understanding, foster collaboration, and ultimately lead to better project outcomes. Here's why asking the right questions is essential for project managers: Uncover hidden issues: Sometimes, problems lurk beneath the surface. Probing questions can reveal potential risks, dependencies, or unclear expectations before they derail your project. Spark critical thinking: By posing well-thought-out questions, you encourage your team to analyze, evaluate, and propose creative solutions. This fosters a culture of ownership and problem-solving. Clarify communication: Vague instructions or assumptions can lead to misunderstandings. Asking clarifying questions ensures everyone is on the same page and avoids rework down the line. Empower your team: Instead of dictating every step, use questions to empower your team. Ask for their input, concerns, and ideas. This builds trust, improves morale, and leverages the collective knowledge of your team. So, how do you become a master questioner? Practice active listening: Pay close attention to what's being said (and not said) to identify areas for further exploration. Ask open-ended questions: These go beyond "yes" or "no" and encourage detailed responses and diverse perspectives. Dig deeper: Don't settle for surface-level answers. Use follow-up questions to gain a complete understanding of the situation. Remember, the right question at the right time can be a game-changer. So, next time you're leading a project, prioritize asking questions. You might be surprised by the power of what you uncover. What are your best tips for asking effective questions in project management? Share your thoughts in the comments! #projectmanagement #leadership #communication #criticalthinking

Emotional intelligence is a game-changer for project managers, enabling them to navigate complex team dynamics with empathy and understanding. By sharpening emotional intelligence skills, project managers can foster collaboration, build trust and drive project success. #emotionalintelligence #projectmanagement #communicationskills #collaboration #conflictresolution #empathy #teamdynamics I shared some insights on this topic in my latest article on Medium: https://lnkd.in/d6rAFyQd