PROJECT MANAGEMENT AT A GLANCE Don’t support and sit with the same group at every work opportunity. While it is comfortable to talk with friends, you will reap greater benefits if you make the extra effort to meet new faces, assist new people in their endeavor to deliver their part on your project. By helping others and going the extra mile you will earn the right to request assistance from others. Don’t be shy. As you serve those in your fledgling network within your project, they will be more than willing to return the favor either now or later. Finding out who’s who in the corporate jungle
pay special attention to your appearance when you drop by “accidentally” and informally to introduce yourself and your project. Pay attention to your mood. Be enthusiastic! Pay attention to your physical self–men should be well-groomed and shaved, all should have nails cut of manicured, hair done in a business-like style, and shoes shined. If there is a company dress code it should be respected. Make eye contact. Be open and warm and use a firm, confident handshake. Respect the length of your elevator speech—30 seconds is ideal. If your listener wants to continue, it becomes chatting, laying the first bricks of a peer-to-peer professional relationship.
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Here’s a short list of easy but critical steps you can take to enhance your current job networking.
While leading a project render yourself reachable Have new business cards printed (when appropriate) with your up to date coordinates. When you’re not available someone else should be, so consider including alternate phone numbers and email addresses. Check that you are in the phone directory both for your landline and mobile number. Ensure your email address is easy to find. The same may be said for the entire project team. If you are
Issue 10 - OCTOBER 2015
candid, you will have all team members’ pictures published with their respective project role and contact information. As you may often be meeting people for the first time, display your company badge visibly high on your chest, on the right hand side, not on the left as usual. Have a second phone for emergency calls always with you. Those, and they are many, who have difficulties remembering names will appreciate your tactfulness.
Be a good listener
In a meeting, workshop, or normal work have you ever been in a conversation with someone who goes on and on about himself, his business interest, his problems, and never takes a moment to ask about you? We have all run into the “Me, myself, and I” types and they are the last people you want to assist beyond the normal call of duty as a PM. So don’t be this person. In your conversations, focus on actively listening to others. Do not inundate them with your problems and requests. Let them talk about their interests and problems while focusing on the agenda. In return, you will be perceived as caring, concerned, and mindful of the business at hand.
Mingle with a variety of people from different departments
Treat every person as important
This doesn’t apply to just the “influential” ones. Treat each person with respect, dignity, and without condescension—even the junior members and support staff. You will be remembered and respected and your network will grow. Every level contributes to the success of the project or organization and you never know who may develop into a senior role in the future. While you do want to prioritize your time and attention—giving more to executives and other business superiors—still, it is never acceptable to disrespect your team members or anyone else in the organization.
Follow-up
After a first meeting with any team member send a prompt note or e-mail to her or him. Explain how much you enjoyed meeting and talking with them. Reinforce the message about their benefit in participating and what is expected from them in return. Enclose as much information as useful that might be of interest at this stage. Ask if there is anything you can do to assist them. Be sure to send the note or e-mail within 48 hours after your initial meeting so that it is received while you are still fresh in your contact’s mind. Happy networking!