The greatest lever any leader possesses are the questions they ask. With a question you can clarify, motivate, teach, learn, i.e. LEAD.
When working with project managers we first promote them to the position of change leader – the job they should have. So, as a leader how do you know if the people managing your important projects really are leading change?
Just 5 questions to get you started:
Which stakeholder has the biggest influence on the success of this project?
This question gives you an idea of how your project manager is thinking about their constituents. Do they even know about how important analyzing stakeholders is? Are they using the analysis in practice?
How many people can explain the project’s tie to our overall strategy?
You must determine if a clear foundation for the change has been established and is being communicated. Most importantly the question sends the message that testing your communication and not making assumptions about understanding is what you want. More
What has to change within the organization before your project can be successful?
The biggest cause of project delays are the seemingly outside the scope items that are critical to success for your project. You can’t change a sales process for example without adapting the compensation system. You can technically finish the project to change the sales process but it won’t work because of the conflicts on how commissions are paid which means you just wasted all that time and resource.
On the first day in the new environment how will we know everyone is ready to do their job?
If you hear an answer like: “We’re going to make sure everyone attends training,” you know you’re in trouble. Readiness and training are two different things. More
What do you want me to do for you next?
As a leader you are a resource for your change leaders. You work for them not the other way around. They may not realize this and underutilize you without some prompting.
| You created a project to get something done strategically. Mentally you move forward with your plans assuming those projects are completed successfully. Ask a few questions and make sure those puzzle pieces aren’t lost as you build the mosaic of your strategy. |
More on Change Leadership:
Constituent Hub
Constituent Hub enterprise software enables organizational change leadership that increases adoption and strategy realization so you can remain competitive.
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