Question PM powers

Submitted by Raavi on Fri, 05/07/2010 - 14:25

 I have a question;
According to Rita, Most effective power for PM is Reward
According to HeadFirst, Most effective power for PM is expert


Who is right? PMBOK does not mention anything about it.
Thanks
Raavi

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ChandraR

Fri, 05/07/2010 - 15:10

I will go with Expert Power.  Here PM earns respect from the Team for his sound knowledge and expertise.  PM is able to lead the team in a technically sound way and no body dares to challenge the PM's technical competency and the project is delivered with high quality.  The downside is Halo effect.  Just because one is technically sound does not mean one has the other needed skills to run the projects successfully


Reward/Punishment power is not going to help for as much success.  Team should not be get intimidated.  Also team does not increase the effciency just because there is a high reward they can earn.


But in any case PM's engagement, communication and problem solving skills matter a lot.  Between these 2 options, I will go with Expert Power - ignoring the downsides of each style.


 


Chandra

ambahnaresh

Fri, 05/07/2010 - 16:53

As per Rita :-  Expert and Rewrad are best PM power...but would say Expert power is earned your own....

Francesco

Fri, 05/07/2010 - 17:34

"Rita" doesn't say that Most effective power for PM is Reward.


She says that the best forms of power is EXPERT and REWARD.


It' true: there's some question with best answer is REWARD.


But WARNING! NEVER THERE'S EXPERT TOO.


So, I think that depends from the situation.

The PMP Guru's picture

The PMP Guru

Fri, 05/07/2010 - 18:38

Thanks Raavi,
 

We cannot compete Rita and Head First BUT we can clear our view point.


Basically There are Two Things and they are normally not clearly defined and diffrentiated:
1: Power
2: Authority
They can be measure on the decision power of the authority but are highly dependent on the Organization type.

Now let me explain it through personal example (Try to understand the essence of these example):


1: My Project Manager was such a nice Person and usually he pushed me and other departments to the limits and gets his job done.

2: My Project Manager used to ask Management to buy expensive materials for his Projects on cash and I always heard him, I know this is not company policy but my Project may be delayed.   

Project Managers have been responsible for everything on there Projects and the Project Success and Failure has been put on there shoulders as soon the Projects are handover to them. They are given alot of authority but in real sense they are not power full and are kept powerless somehow.
As said above Project success and Failure is on the Project Manager so to get the job done he has to rely on his communication, Analytical and Interpersonal Skills.

In many Organizations, Project Managers have either very little or negligible Powers to force there decisions because of the Organization Type or system, Specially in Functional Organizations Project Manager's are not allowed in Functional responsibilities or roles. Also in many Organization, Project Manager's have no authority to reward a Team Member or evaluate the final performance appraisals and even to punish the Team Member.

Even if you make The Project Manager God of the Project by giving him all the Powers in the World, He has to rely on his basic Communication, Analytical, Inter personnel, Motivational, Leadership etc etc skills to get the job done and to get the job done, The Project Manager has to create an environment of friendship based on respect, friendship and Trust among the Team.

 

Kind regards,

The PMP Guru

http://thepmpguru.wordpress.com/