Employee: Boss, I'M SORRY BUT I WON'T BE ABLE TO ATTEND THIS CALL. IT IS CONFLICTING WITH A PRIOR COMMITMENT.

Boss: IF I MAY ASK, WHICH PRIOR COMMITMENT?

Employee: BOSS, I HAVE MY YOGA CLASS TO ATTEND DURING THAT TIME SLOT.

Boss: HOW COME YOU ARE ATTENDING A YOGA CLASS DURING OFFICE HOURS?

Employee: DEV HAS GIVEN FEEDBACK THAT I NEED TO BECOME AGILE AS OUR NEXT PROJECT WILL NEED THOSE SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES.

Boss(Thinking): NOW I GET IT! BUT I THINK SHE NEEDS BRAIN YOGA MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE!

PROJECT MANAGER'S COMPETENCIES
As the business world is getting faster and more intense, it is leading to a demand for projects to be completed quicker. To that end, project managers will need to decide which approach is most appropriate for the project and adapt and transition their skills based on the type of project on hand.

Due to critical project timeline, Sam has to work from home even weekends

Team Member: HONEY, SOMETHING FUNNY HAPPENED IN OUR DAUGHTET'S ONLINE CLASS YESTERDAY...

Sam: CAN WE TALK ON THAT LATER? I'M WORKING ON A PROJECT

Team Member: SAM, HOW MANY WEEKENDS WILL YOU CONTINUE TO WORK FROM HOME. IT'S TIME WE WORKED ON OUR FAMILY LIFE FOR A CHANGE.

Sam: HUH!!!

Work-Life Balance
In the current context, the Work-Life Balance seems more elusive than ever with technology allowing employees to be accessible every hour of every day. Work-Life Balance is about achieving integration between work life & personal life that helps you feel happy and healthy, overall.

Maya(Thinking): JUST 5 MORE MINUTES FOR MY OFFICE MEETING TO END AND I CAN ATTEND MY KID'S PTA MEETING.

Boss: I JUST HAVE A FEW QUESTIONS FOR THE TEAM BEFORE WE WRAP THE CALL. I WILL TAKE 15 MORE MINUTES SO, MAYA...

Maya: ARRGGHHH!!

Work-Life Balance
Many team members feel like their lives are overcommitted and see no relief in sight. Nowadays, work-life balance can seem like an unrealistic objective. As leaders, project managers should allow flexibility in how team members get the job done. It's a matter of giving a choice and empowerment to employees to manage their own time

Interviewing new candidate

Boss: MR GILL, ONE LAST QUESTION BEFORE WE WRAP THIS INTERVIEW. IF GIVEN A PROJECT, WHAT'S THE SMALLEST BUDGET YOU CAN MANAGE ON?

Gill: THE MOST YOU CAN GIVE ME

Negotiation Skills
Project Managers wear multiple hats and one of them is that of a Negotiator. It is a critical skill as it helps to create win-win situations with stakeholders, have better relationships with customers, and guarantee a more positive work environment.

Maya: AAH! FINALLY I GOT MY KID ENGAGED IN SOME PRODUCTIVE TASKS. NOW I CAN SIT THROUGH MY CLIENT CALL WITHOUT ANY INTERRUPTIONS

The client call has just started, when...

Maya Kid: MOMMY!! LOOKS I CAN FLY!!

Maya(Thinking): I GUESS I SAID THAT TOO SOON

Project Resource Management
Working from home with kids in current times can be challenging. In such cases, it is important to create a schedule, communicate your needs, be transparent about your situation, manage expectations with your colleagues and take breaks or create special time for kids.

TEAM, BECAUSE OF WORK FROM HOME, WE ARE SAVING A LOT OF OUR LONG AND BORING OFFICE COMMUTE TIME

SO HOW ARE YOU USING THIS TIME TO BE MORE PROUCTIVE?

Team Member: I'M LEARNING TO CODE

Swami: I'M UPSKILLING ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Team Member: I'M LEARNING A NEW LANGUAGE

May: AND...I'M TRYING TO FIND QUIET TIME IN THIS BUSY SCHEDULE


Project Resource Management
In this extremely chaotic times, it's important to create moments of quite for ourselves. Quiet time helps to discover what's important and rediscover what has been neglected.

Maya: Honey!! We have a situation here. I can't see my team on the call.. Infact I can't see nothing on this PC.

Maya's Husband: Honey! Just to let you know that you are in the kitchen right now, staring at our micro-oven.

Maya: Huh!

Work Life Balance
In the current context, the work-life balance seems more elusive than ever with technology allowing employees to be accessible every hour of every day. Work-life balance is about achieving harmony or integration between work life and personal life and creating a meaningful life that helps you feel happy and healthy overall.

Dev: Hey, Maya, just called to check on your well-being, since you called in sick yesterday. Hope the symptoms are nothing to worry about.

Maya: Thank you, Dev, for your concern. Nothing to worry..

Maya: I googled my symptoms are apparently, I just need a long break!

Project Resource Management
Shifting to remote work in the wake of the lockdown has made people anxious and also a little disconnected. It is important to be cognizant and realistic in terms of what the team members can deliver to avoid overload and burnout, especially in current times.

Boss: Maya, why haven't you worked on the file yet? What's taking you so long?

Maya(Thinking): I wish my boss could understand that this lockdown is not only making me work from home but work for home, too!

Project Resource Management
For business leaders, learning and practicing collaborative leadership skills is essential amid the current crisis. Practice emotional intelligence and empathy - it will go a long way in keeping virtual teams connected and productive during this transitional period.

Boss: Dev, please inform the team that we are now allowed to work from the office with only 50% of staff strength since we are located in the Green Zone.

A few days later in office..

Boss: Dev, in case you have forgotten, we are no longer working from home. These are office premises so please maintain office decorum.

Project Manager's Soft Skills
Effective project management is as much about demonstrating appropriate behaviors as it is about applying project management skills. In today's times, it is more than essential that behavior, emotions, and culture be well understood by project managers.

Dev: Hello Team. if you remember, boss had made it a mandate to take up short online courses and upgrade our skills so that we could get something to the table after this lockdown...
Need a quick update on that from you all

Let's begin with Swami, What have you been learning oflate?

Swami: I have taken up this online course to hone my communication skills so that it would help me with my client calls

Maya: I am doing a short course on Internet of Things so that I am prepped up for all our forthcoming projects which are mostly going to be based on that!

Team member: Sorry team, got a bit late to join this call as my online baking class went on a bit longer today...
so Dev, what's the agenda for this quick call?

Dev(Thinking): Never mind, we kind of got the picture of what exactly you may get to the table after this lockdown...

Project Resource Management
Upgrade your skills and make the most of this time...

Dev: Hey Team, Boss has requested for a quick synch-up call with him in an hour's time.

Team: Oh no again!?

Maya: What! We are practically meeting him 2 to 3 times a day. What is this call for now?

Dev: Now that we have been working from home since the past few weeks he is perhaps missing micro-managing us. This is his way of keeping tabs.

Maya: Can someone please let him know that social-distancing is the buzz word in today's times?

Project Resource Management
Micromanagement is the ultimate controlling management style. It is not only frustrating for the project team members but also completely undermines their authority. Even while managing virtual teams, it is important to establish appropriate and productive relationships with team members.

Boss: So Dev, how many projects are you having on your plate?

Dev: Well, there are....

Boss: Oh! never mind. There is one new project coming your way. Its a small project and you got two months to deliver it!

Dev: err... but Boss...I....

Dev (thinking): huh!

Boss: Is it just a coincidence that your annual performance review is also due in another two months?

Dev: Ok, Boss! What is this project all about?

Boss (thinking): Wow! That was way easier than I had imagined.

Project Resource Management
Many times, project managers are given more projects than they can handle. Some of the more experienced project managers may push back, telling management that all efforts cannot be achieved. However, many project managers do not do so. The top management needs to take cognizance of the same.

Dev: Boss, workload has doubled but we haven’t received a raise for a long time that justifies our hard work and dedication.

Boss: Don’t be motivated by money. Money doesn’t buy anyone happiness. Let me tell you that!

Dev: Boss, if there is no raise this year, most of the committed project managers will start looking around for better opportunities for sure.

Boss: In which case they have saved me the trouble...

Dev: Huh!

Boss: ...the company is anyway planning to reduce the headcount of the project managers and other high salaried team members

Dev(Thinking): Oh no!

Project Resource Management
There are broadly four types of techniques for motivating team members, techniques that include optimizing human energy, enabling autonomy, providing feedback, and providing reward and recognition. The ability to influence and motivate others is an important skill that a leader must learn to master.

Appraisal interview

Boss: So Dev, tell me about your accomplishments in the last one year.

Dev: I managed to complete three crucial projects within time and budget. And importantly, I did not ask for additional resources though it was much required.

Boss: Well, it looks like your projects were not challenging enough. Hence you deserve a marginal raise this year.

Dev: And what makes you think they were not challenging?

Boss: Because you finished all your projects within time and budget and you didn’t even complain even once about anything.

Dev: Huh!

Dev(thinking): how do I tell him that though the job itself is rewarding, the salary and benefits leave a lot to be desired.

Project Resource Management
Motivation can inspire, and encourage individuals and project teams to achieve greater accomplishments. Knowing this, it is in the project leader's best interest to understand the demotivation cause in order to drive toward project success.

Boss: Hey Dev, congrats to you and your team for completing the project ahead of schedule. So sorry that I could not be around to mentor the team as I was traveling extensively.

Dev: And I thank god for that. How do you think we could finish the project on time?

Boss: Dev, did I just hear a whistle from you?

Dev: No Boss, it's just the magic of good news which is music to your ears.

Project Resource Management
Micromanagement is the ultimate controlling management style. It is not only frustrating for the project manager but also completely undermines their authority. Every relationship demands respect, so it is important to establish appropriate and productive relationships with your manager.

Dev: I want to take this project management certification & training. Going by the new projects that we are doing, this will surely help us to run the projects better.

Boss: Whoa, no way!!

Dev: Why Boss?

Boss: If I pay for your training and certification today, tomorrow you will use this knowledge to get a better job

Dev: Huh

Boss: In the current times, be happy you are getting to work on exciting projects

Dev: huh!

Boss: But if you are still motivated then I suggest you pay for it from your pocket.

Dev (thinking): Forget tomorrow, if I can get a job, I will leave this organisation today itself

Project Resource management
Training and certifications are important techniques for developing project teams. They help to improve skills and competencies, and employee motivation, reduces staff turnover rates, and improves overall project performance.

Maya: Boss, I heard that the new hire is getting paid more than me though he has less experience and qualifications. Why, Boss?

Boss: Well Maya, to cut the long story short, the recent studies say that tall people are more intelligent compared to short people. And...

Maya: In spite of my short height it seems like I have hit the ceiling...the glass ceiling!

Boss: Maya, stop grumbling. If you want equal pay then work your way to the top the smarter way.

A few weeks later...

Dev: Hey Maya, what's with the new hairstyle and high heels.

Maya: I am just trying to stand tall in spite of the adversities around me.

Project Resource Management
A project leader needs to use emotional intelligence to increase motivation by identifying, assessing, and controlling sentiments of team members, anticipating their actions and acknowledging their concerns. It helps to improve the morale and confidence of the team members.

Dev: Swami, I am getting a lot of complaints about you not being a team player. Your toxic negativity is decreasing the team's effectiveness and it's output. Do you have anything to say on this for justification!

Swami: All I want to say is that my fellow team members are experiencing illusions caused by my inordinate wisdom and their limited competence. And thus, I rest my case here!

Dev: eh!!

Project Resource Management
Clashes and incompatibilities amongst team members is often a challenge for project managers to deal with. The project manager has an important role in molding this group of individuals into a focused, coordinated, high-performance team.

Dev: Boss, you must have noticed that I have been working round the clock for the past few months on Project Harmony and...

Dev: it has ironically created disharmony in my life. I need some time-off badly.

Dev: I am already having health issues due to sleep deprivation and I don't want you to face awkward situations in case anything untoward happens to me.

Boss(Thinking): Oh no!

Boss: Woah, hold on young man! We totally appreciate your hard work. Why don't you take a week's leave, take some good rest and come back with recharged batteries?

Dev(Thinking): Looks like Boss could not handle the fizz. And all I had to do was to lift the lid on my bottled-up feelings to get that much-deserved break.

Project Resource Management
Work-life balance though elusive in today's times is not an unrealistic objective. Project leaders overseeing projects should not only track project progress but also monitor the well-being of those managing projects. Because work-life balance is crucial not just for the manager herself but also for everything she is responsible for.

Dev: Boss, given the scope of the new project, I would need at least two more resources in the team.

Boss: Dev, why don't you manage this project just the way you did the last one.

Dev: Boss, the last one didn't have the same complexities and challenges associated as this one. Moreover,....

Boss: Ok fine. We will arrange two additional resources but make sure we get the desired results.

The next week...

Boss: Dev, meet your new team members. Here is Iffy and the one behind her is Bugs

Boss: Both are rookies but all excited to be part of this project. They will provide you that much needed additional support.

Dev: Boss, don't you think they are way too inexperienced for this project? I would rather not get them on board as I will spend more time handholding them.

Boss: Dev, don't you think you are getting way too demanding now.

Project Resource Management
Appropriate project staffing is crucial, yet improperly allocating resources tops the list of most common project management mistakes. Not having people with the right skills on the project can totally derail it. All the planning and best tools and technologies in the world won't overcome an insufficiency of talent and skills.

Boss: Dev, there is this urgent proposal that you have to complete by tomorrow evening. It is for a big organization so we have to make it impressive.

Dev: Oh, ok!

Dev: If you need it by tomorrow evening then I would prefer to work from home tomorrow. I can focus better with less interference and distractions.

Boss: How can I let you work from home? I need to see what you are doing.

Dev: Boss, looks like you didn't get my point.

Boss: Dev, there is no time for pointless discussions. Be in office tomorrow.

Dev(Thinking): I wish he was sharp enough to get my broad hints and stopped micro managing.

Project Resource Management
Micromanaging may work in specific cases but it often misses the bigger picture. It reduces staff's morale and working memory, makes it difficult for employees to develop fresh skills, acclimatize to new situations, and proves to be a huge distraction. Eventually, it may also result in loss of good employees.

Boss: Team, looking at your dedication and hard work, the management has conveyed that job well done will be rewarded.

A couple of weeks later...

Dev: Boss, my team has worked late nights and weekends to finish our project one week ahead of schedule.

Boss: Kudos! That's great, Dev. On that wonderful note, I suggest you and the team take on a couple of assignments that need to be finished by next week. I just mailed you the details.

Dev: But, Boss...you had said that job well done will be rewarded. So...

Boss: Of course, I said that job well done will be rewarded...with some more meaningful work. And I have already kept my word.

Dev(Thinking): Yes, empty words indeed that came from a forked tongue.

Project Resource Management
If a project is to succeed it must have a motivated project team. People are motivated if they feel they are valued in the organization, whether through tangible or intangible rewards.

Boss: Hello Maya, just thought of swinging by to tell you that you are the most sincere and hard-working team member.

Boss: You are a valuable asset to this organization. Your dedication to work is exemplary.

Maya: Woah!  Boss, thank you for these praises. Somehow they are giving me a déjà vu feeling. It is also making me feel jittery, I wonder why!

Boss: That's a good sign, Maya. It's a sign that you are feeling motivated to do more work.

Maya(Thinking): Oh no, I suddenly remembered. The last time when he was heaping praises on me it came with a pile of workload soon after.

Project Resource Management
The ability to influence and motivate team members is a skill that a project leader needs to master. Sincere motivation can inspire, and encourage individuals to achieve great accomplishments. It can also create an environment that nurtures teamwork and collective initiatives to reach common goals or objectives.

Dev: Kudos to the Project Placid team for its success. On that note, I would like each one of you to share the new things you learned during the course of the project.

Team thinking: Nothing new!

Swami: Did you guys learn anything new or is it just me who has this feeling?

Maya: Me too! It was more boring than the previous one.

Project Resource Management
Learning is the key to project management. And not just individual but learning of the group that integrates the project. It is observed that most of the learning happens through experience and the rest through social interactions and traditional training methods. Hence, it is important to provide the team with opportunities to learn new things through the project itself and guide them when necessary. It makes a positive difference and creates value for the stakeholders.

Boss: Dev, I made you the project manager because you have been in the system for the longest time and have the necessary technical expertise. But...

Dev: Yes, but no one seems to listen to my instructions. They refuse to heed my valuable advice...

Boss: Dev, you should know how to lead and guide your team by now. Do I need to provide training for such things?

Boss: Your technical competencies should be put to good use otherwise what good are they if you cannot lead a project.

Dev (Thinking): Slowly, I am realizing that I have become the proverbial "Accidental Project Manager" about whom I always read in articles and laughed.

Project Resource Management
It is wrongly assumed that a person who has been in the organization for the longest time will have the best capabilities to lead a project. In typical project management parlance, he is called the accidental project manager. A good project manager not only needs to have the technical expertise for the position, but also leadership skills, business/strategic management skills, and formal training in project management.

Boss : Dev, change the color of the button from yellow to red. Move the tab slightly to the right. Add a human element on this page. By the way, why are you so behind schedule on this project?

Dev : Boss, I had taken care of on-ground realities but due to a certain hovering situation beyond my control the schedule went off-track.

Boss : Hovering?? What? Where?

Dev : Right where you are standing! my Helicopter Boss.. who else!

Project Resource Management
Micromanaging may work in specific cases but it often misses the bigger picture. It reduces staff's morale and working memory, makes it difficult for employees to develop fresh skills, acclimatize to new situations, and proves to be a huge distraction. Eventually, it may also result in loss of good employees.

Dev : Boss, I just read your email. You have assigned me to an under-funded project with unreasonable timelines.

Dev : And to top it all, you have assigned junior resources to work with me.

Boss : It is often said that necessity is the mother of invention, Dev.

Dev : Err ...Boss!

Boss : So instead of fussing so much, why don't you look at it as a glass half full rather than half empty!

Dev : How?

Boss : Creativity thrives best when we are constrained.

Dev : Huh!

Boss : These challenges can actually work as assets to fuel your team's creativity. And then you can use so many easily implementable techniques to overcome these constraints.

Project Resource Management
There are many techniques a project manager can use to enhance creativity or solve problems. Some of the popular ones are Brainstorming, Nominal group technique, Idea/mind mapping, Affinity diagramming, Force field analysis, Cause and effect diagramming, SWOT analysis and Root cause analysis.

Dev : Boss, my team has been using an outdated collaborative tool for a long time now. It is eating into their valuable project time.

Dev : They complain that they cannot easily find the critical project documents and eventually waste time looking for project assets.

Dev : Boss, I suggest we buy this new cloud-based management tool which has received great reviews from the industry and peers. It will save the team's time on routine tasks and also will be a quick win for them.

Boss : Dev have you heard the saying, "A poor craftsman blames his tools"? My quick thought on this 'quick win' ...It is a sheer waste of money!

Dev : With his quick as a flash thinking we will surely get nowhere fast.

Project Resource Management
Quick wins are those that will stop wasting your resources and have more impact on your project with less effort. using quick wins on your project and team will get everyone motivated, increase the momentum of the project, and last but not the least will create a feel-good factor because of positive energy created from achievement.

Boss: Dev, I am assigning you to a new project on Artificial Intelligence (AI) It's a first for us hence quite crucial and prestigious as well.
Dev (thinking): Help!!

Boss: Good news is, the project is well-Funded and we have a fairly comfortable deadline to complete the project.

Dev: Boss, we do not have skilled professionals in the team to hand an AI project.
Getting the right people on board will take time as these skills are not easily available.

Boss: That's even better.
This is your chance to showcase your people and technical skills, pull off a seemingly challenging AI project and get visibility.

Dev (thinking): Forget AI skills, I wish common in people.

Project Resource Management
Appropriate project staffing is crucial, yet improperly allocating resources tops the list of most common project management mistakes. Not having people with right skills on project can totally derail it.All the planning and best tools and technologies in the world won't overcome an insufficiency of talent and skills

Boss: Lisa, can you suggest something to boost the motivation levels of our team members.

Lisa: I know just the right thing to do!

A couple of weeks later..

Boss: Lisa, those inspirational posters are not having the desired effect. In fact, most team members have started sleeping on the job rather than feeling motivated to work hard Any idea why?

Lisa: I think they have taken this particular poster rather seriously.

Project Resource Management
The level of motivation an individual and/or team applies to project efforts can affect all aspects of project results. Hence, a project leader should create an environment conducive to outstanding team synergy and peak individual performance.

At lunchtime...

Boss: Team, sorry to interrupt you during lunch but I have some good news to share which is incidentally related to your lunch.

Dev: Lunch? Wow, I can hardly wait to hear it out!

Boss: The management has finally approved the training on digital-age skills which the project team had requested. However, it can be scheduled only during lunch hours as we cannot afford to affect our project timeline.

Dev: Why is the good news so hard to digest suddenly?

Project Resource Management
In today's increasingly complex and competitive global marketplace, companies must invest in training in competencies that can support longer-range strategic objectives that contribute to the bottom line. While doing so, the management should also ensure the project team is highly motivated to accomplish the goals of the organization.

Boss: Dev, you are the most self-reliant manager in this organization who shows initiative and readily takes ownership of your work. Hence, I am assigning you to this new prestigious project. But....

Dev: But What...Boss?

Boss: Just keep me in the loop for all the decisions and provide daily status updates. Just being the hands-on manager you see!

Dev: Correction. You mean Micro-manager!

Project Resource Management
Micromanagement is the ultimate controlling management style. It is not only frustrating for the project manager but also completely undermines their authority. Every relationship demands respect, so it is important to establish appropriate and productive relationships with your manager.

Maya: Hey Swami, I have been reviewing your code since morning. I am just not able to crack it. Also there seem to be extra lines in the code. What are those for?

Swami: Slurp!!

Maya: huh!

Swami: Well, I have no idea why those extra code lines are in there for. I just copied Jay's code. But all I know is if I remove those lines, the whole application may crash.

Project Resource Management
While acquiring the project team, it is important to use a multi-criteria decision analysis tool to verify whether the team member has relevant experience, competencies, knowledge, skill, and abilities as required for the project.

Maya: Dev, I can't get any of my work done with swami in my team.

Dev: Why? What has he done

Maya: He is not a good team player. Because he keeps disagreeing with everything that I believe and say. He disagrees that I am hard working, smart, and committed.

Dev: But what has that got to do with your office work?

Maya: Of course it does have! This attitude gets me into a self-reflecting mode and cuts into my work time thus affecting my productivity

Maya: So either make him agree to my points or get him out of the team.

Dev: huh!

Project Resource Management
To eliminate any issues or negativity in a team it is best to create a positive work environment. Being a project manager, you can incorporate team building activities to foster a feeling of harmony and teamwork among them.

Swami: What on earth is that??

Teammate: That's called a classic case of "Programmer’s Burnout".

Swami: Huh!!

Teammate: By the way, If you didn't realize that is our very own Maya. She has been working long hours for endless months and at times even on weekends.

Project Resource Management
Hiring, developing and retaining the people needed to turn corporate strategy into reality is of critical importance. Hence, a resources allocation plan is an important tool in effective management of scares resources and also avoid employee burn out.

Boss: Team, I want to see you all in the meeting room in next five minutes. Something important to share with you.

Team Member: I wonder what he wants to share.

Boss: Team, the reason for calling you urgently is to share the results of the division's performance. Sorry to share that our performance has been deteriorating and is cause for great concern.

Boss: It is time we pull up our socks and hit the ground running.

Boss: Team, I recommend that the team now starts behaving as if they own the division and gave their all. We need to bring in a sense of ownership in all that we do to improve productivity.

Team Member: Wow, ownership has its own privileges! Hope that means I can come to office and leave office when I want to, travel business class and have fancy perks.

Project Resource Management
When project team members feel a sense of ownership towards their responsibilities, the project team does not just perform productively and are engaged, but they stay longer with the company, love their regular job and duties and sometimes take efforts to broaden their skill-sets, expertise and experience.

Boss: Team, meet Sam, your new project manager. He will be leading the team till Dev comes back from his long sabbatical.

Swami: Here comes another "Paper - Pusher" All he will do is schedule meetings and write project reports...

Boss: Yes, Swami! Did you just say something?

Swami: Err...ahem... well I was just telling him that we are glad to have him as our manager. We were anyway missing that 'someone' to give us an extra push!

Project Manager Competencies
Contrary to common misconception a project manager is not a paper-pusher. He is someone who needs to have technical knowledge & skills related to specific domain of project, leadership skills to guide, and direct a team and strategic and business management skills to better deliver business outcomes.

Boss: Dev, can you explain why your project is behind schedule?

Dev: Do long hours ata work, zero social life, working on weekends and sleep deprivation cout as valid excuses?

Dev: There is zilch morale and motivation. I either need more resources on the project or a long sabbatical. Is there any way you can help?

Boss: Of course Dev! You can always count on me.

Later that evening in office
Dev: Honey, I will be home late as usual. My boss has suggested me to watch a dozen motivational videos and listen to prodcasts which according to him will recharge me. But....so far no effect!

Project Manager Competencies
A large part of the project manager's role involves dealing with people. He should study people's behaviors and motivations an strive to be a good leader because leadership is critical to success of projects in organazations.

Dev: Excuse me Boss, do you have few minutes to share?

Boss: Of course, yes! Dev, you know by now I have an open door policy. Come on in!

Dev: Boss, I had to share this idea which may help us to get out of this tight situation we are facing in the project 'As good as it gets.'

Boss: I hate changes in plans but let me just show that I am hearing him out.

Boss: Ok...hmmm. Good Nice!

Boss: That's a brilliant suggestion, Dev! But as you are aware our resources are already locked in and we don't want to take any unknown risks by changing gears at this stage.

Dev (Thinking): I wonder why does he even have an open door policy. May be to toss ideas and suggestions out of the door.

Project Managers Competecies
It is important for project manager to have high level of listening, influencing, and team-building skills with emphasis on improving team performance. This is because project team members are motivated by an opportunity to grow, accomplish, and apply their professional skills to meet new challenges.

Dev: Boss, I have been assigned multiple projects which is affecting my productivity. I seriously need a staycaution soon before I burn out.

Boss: That's difficult at this point of time. Instead I have a fantastic alternative.

Dev: What's that?

Boss: Dev, Dev... hold on to your horses, will you? I will share it with you tomorrow morning. It's going to be a surprise.

Next Day...

Boss: Todah! Presenting your new cubicle. Dev, studies have shown that people become more productive in rooms with blue color. So here it is! What do you think?

Dev (thinking): Now what do I say. This news is like a bolt from the blue. I have no clue about productivity but I am definitely feeling blue already.

Project Resource Management
A project leader requires a variety of management skills for festering motivation and to create high performance teams. It involves a combination, conflict resolution, negotiation, and leadership. Without these skills it is difficult to capitalize on the strengths of team members.

Dev: Excuse me Boss! I need to talk to you urgently.

Boss (thinking): Danger! High Alert! Be on guard Swami.

Dev: I had shared earlier as well and wanted to gently remind you about the project management software we need to buy urgently.

Boss (thinking): Uh oh, not again!

Dev: That software tool is critical for us. Our project may get delayed by a substantial margin without it.

Boss: Dev, we have spoken on this before. I have budget just enough to sustain you and your team on this project. Either you let go of some of your team resources or stop pestering me for these frivolous, expensive tools.

Dev (thinking): These don't even seem like options that can be considered. Sounded more like a threat than a solution.

Project Resource Management
A resource allocation plan is crucial tool in effective management of scarce resources. The timing of the need of those resources can be and should be determined within the project schedules. A resource plan, which describes the type of resource needed and the timing of that need, is critical to effective resource management.

Dev: Boss, I am sorry to say this but there are just too many projects I have been asked to lead and they are all pulling me in different directions.

Dev: If I can be relieved from some of them I will be able to focus on them in a better way.

Boss (thinking): What do I do? He is the best project manager available in the division right now.

Boss: Well, Dev! I have read somewhere that one needs to have some form of stress to keep oneself motivated and creative.

Dev: But.errr... Boss...

Boss: The organization cares for you and hence you have been given so many opportunities to help you grow as a leader and stay motivated.

Dev: Huh!

Boss: So why don't you just get back to work before your motivation starts dipping.

Project Resource Management
Management must weigh numerous factors, such as urgency of the project, required skills, competence and availability of staff, the impact of resource levels on delivery schedules, the maturity of organization's processes and of the PMO while determining the appropriate allocation of resources on projects.

Boss: Dev, as you are aware, there is a new opening for a project manager in our division. I thought of asking you first if you have any referrals

Dev (thinking)

Dev: Boss, I do have one. He has relevant experience and technical expertise. Moreover, he has exceptional leadership and business management skills too. I will email his resume right away!

A week later

Dev: Excuse me Boss. How did the interview go with my Friend? How did you find him?

Boss: Err, which interview? Who? Oh ok, your referral. I am sorry but he was rejected.

Dev: But Boss, he has a sterling record as a Project Manager and he was apt For the requirement...

Boss: Yes, I agree. Also, he has management and leadership skills. So rejected as he is over qualified.

Dev (thinking): Looks like being bright and sharp besides haying technical skills is not useful

Boss: Let's have someone with just the required technical skills transferred From other division

Project Resource Management
In today's increasingly complex and competitive global market place, technical skills are simply not enough. Companies are seeking added skills in leadership and business intelligence - competencies that can support longer-range strategic objectives that contribute to the bottom line. Project leaders should look at hiring project team members accordingly.

Team Mate 1: Guys, I am so looking forward to the long weekend. I am going out for a hike with my friends. What about you all?
Team Mate 2: Yes, me too!

Cafeteria
YAY!! Wohooo!!! Yippee!!! Clap Clap Clap Clap

Boss: Team, I am quiet keen to know what this excitement is all about but before that one important update. We have an important pitch coming up and I want you to share critical data that I need over the weekend for the same.

Boss: Remember, this pitch is for a prestigious client so the team will need to gather some motivation and enthusiasm to work over the long weekend.

Team Mate 1: My enthusiasm and motivation just “went for a hike” after hearing this…what about that!
Team Mate 2: (Furious)

Project Resource Management
A project leader needs to use emotional intelligence to increase co-operation by identifying, assessing, and controlling sentiments of team members, anticipating their action and acknowledging their concerns.