Introduction

The early development of project management focused heavily on techniques such as the planning and control of large, multi-functional, multi-organizational projects. Whilst these activities remain central to professional project management, the leadership role of the project professional has been increasingly recognized as a key determinant in delivering success.

This program focuses on the leadership skills needed in project situations, where tight budgets and deadlines demand high levels of performance from a team that is frequently changing and where the working environment presents fresh challenges on a daily basis.

Objectives

• Understand the significance of leadership skills to the project professionals and the impact of these skills on project performance

• Review the key skills needed to be an effective, 'multi-dimensional' project leader and learn how to develop, adapt and apply them in practice

• Learn how to identify the preferred leadership style for the context and organizational culture of a project and how to develop personal style versatility

• Understand the role of the project leader in building an effective team and the skills required to promote and sustain team performance

• Gain a better understanding of the interpersonal skills needed to motivate individual team members and harness the full potential of the team

Methodology

Participants will learn through a range of teaching and personal development methods including presentations, tutorials, real-life case studies, worked examples, short team exercises, and video presentations. Active participation and involvement will be encouraged throughout the program to promote the sharing of ideas and expertise within the group.

Summary

This program aims to help attendees understand the essence of leadership and how to maximize their own leadership potential. Participants will gain valuable insights, models and methods of leadership that will help them develop the leadership skills needed to develop and sustain high-performance project teams.

Outlines

DAY 1 

Project management and leadership

• what is a leader? how much can leadership be learned?

• the project environment and the impact of leadership skills

• the characteristics of high-performance project teams and their leaders

• some useful models and theories of leadership explored

• types of leadership; choosing how to use leadership power

• evaluating personal leadership style; how to develop style flexibility

DAY 2 

Essential skills for the project leaders

• 3 key dimensions of project leadership: inwards, outwards and upwards

• developing a 'project vision': strategic thinking skills

• the vital role of communication skills and how to develop them

• understanding others; emotional intelligence skills

• being a visible leader; behavioral and influencing skills

• building effective relationships; the importance of trust and respect

DAY 3

Leading the project team

• the role of leadership in developing team performance

• understanding individuals in the team; recognizing team role preferences

• managing conflict and promoting positive team dynamics

• setting standards, maintaining discipline and rewarding performance

• harnessing team potential: building motivation within the team

• promoting team learning; the team leader as coach/mentor

DAY 4

Leading across organizational boundaries, internal and external

• gaining the support of other leaders; developing effective influencing skills

• getting empowerment from key stakeholders

• knowing when and how to take the initiative and lead

• building and maintaining rapport with key partners

• becoming an effective team player in leadership teams

• becoming a business leader and leading other leaders

DAY 5

Leading more senior stakeholders

• the challenges and skills of leading and managing upwards

• communicating with senior stakeholders; building credibility

• essential negotiation skills; knowing when and how to negotiate

• the role of networking skills; building and sustaining rapport

• handling disagreements between senior stakeholders; the art of diplomacy

• handling personality and style conflicts with more senior people