Project success is more dependent on human factors (including Leadership) than technocratic processes (planning, procedures…)(Hauschildt, Keim and Medeof 2000). An assertion with many fans (Hull & Read, 2003; Lechler, 1988; Davies, 2002 to name but a few).
The Leadership-process-success link: "Leadership is influencing people to get things done to a standard and quality above their norm. And doing it willingly." (O'Neil, 2000) and “When it comes to project management, it’s the people that count” (Letchler T. 1998). Streaming down, numerous researches conducted since 1960’s, converged to 12 critical project success factors on which Davies declares “people perform every process; and its people who ultimately determine the adequacy. Thus the people side of the success factors is woven into their very fabric”. (Davies, IJoPM, 20 2002) (figure below)
From another perspective, whilst each process targets a specific project aspect as critical path competency gap would, at first glace, impacts project schedule/resources; whereas lack of Social Competency (EIC Standard) / Providing Leadership in the workplace (FMC Standard) would have a mega scale (multi-processes) impact on overall Project success.
I tend to vote for a complementary relationship। While methodologies and procedures form the 'framework'-hard dimension; Leadership symbolizes the 'art' (Dwight D. Eisenhower) that makes it perform optimally-soft dimension. (Figure below)
Regards,
Samer
Posts
References:
ReplyDeleteAlan Schwartz, PMGP, PMGT 5872 “Project Human Resource Management and Leadership” (Business Council of Australia in Hull & Read 2003), p5.
Lechler Thomas, ' When it comes to project management, it's the people that matter'1998
Crawford, Lynn, Profiling the component Project Manager, Preceding of PMI Research Conference; Paris. Philadelphia: Project Management Institute, Inc.;2000
Cooke Davies, 'Project Manager Today', Its People Who Get things done’, Jan 2002
Ravi Kumar, Krinta Inc."Soft Skills in Project Management" (21/08/06)
Brian O’Neil, “Test your Leadership Skills”, 2000.
http://www.cata.ca/Media_and_Events/Events_Calendar/cata_ec03160601.html
P.Martin and K.Tate, "Getting Started in Project Planning", 2001; D.J. Cohen and R.J. Graham, "The Project Manager's MBA", 2001; International Project Management Association (IPMA), "ICB - IPMA Competence Baseline",1999. refered to by "1000 Ventures website": http://www.1000ventures.com/business_guide/crosscuttings/leadership_main.html
What a great post! You have well explained the importance and essence of leadership.
ReplyDeleteIt's true that a leader influences much his/her members on how they work and deal with the project. If that leader has a very good communication and know how to deal with his team, for sure all of them will succeed.
Great post!