Start here, show your values!
Learn how consistency between a project manager's words and actions builds credibility, shapes the team, and reinforces essential day-to-day values.
WHO ARE YOU? That's the first question people ask when you show up.
A project manager leads change, and as a leader, they're always on stage, being watched, talked about and tested. It's a huge challenge.
Our Values
Having clear boundaries and values you stand by is essential for staying consistent throughout your journey. Making clear what is and isn't acceptable, and reinforcing it with examples, matters a lot.
This happens in two ways: through words and through actions.
How does this show up day to day?
When you say you're committed to punctuality and back it up by always being there on time, you stay consistent and send the message that it matters to you. Naturally, people start respecting that and stop showing up late with you.
When you say you value the exchange of knowledge and back it up with the action of carving out time in your schedule to listen to people share knowledge, information, ideas and suggestions, they notice that you practice what you preach and reinforce the value.
When you say you value people and show it by spending time in conversations, guidance and genuine help, you're reinforcing your values. People simply notice.
It's the consistency between words and actions that builds our credibility. And you? What values won't you compromise on?
How to spot your values
A practical way to understand some of our values is to observe how and where we spend our time and attention. It's the best indicator of what matters to you.
Look at your calendar and notice where you're putting your most valuable resource. What and who should you be directing your time and attention toward?
Values and Project Managers
As a leader, when you take on the responsibility of managing a project, reinforce the behavior you expect to be repeated. To do that, be the first to set the example.
If you liked this article, you might also like this one where I talk about leadership and getting people to collaborate, check it out here.
If this content inspired you, share it with other leaders and professionals who'd benefit from this reflection. Sharing is also a value!
Take care,
