1. Avoiding Tough Conversations
Behaviour: Avoiding conflicts or difficult discussions to maintain harmony. Impact: Issues persist, team members feel unsupported, and you appear unsure.
What You Should Do:
Be proactive. Address issues early to prevent escalation.
Use empathy. Approach conversations with understanding and focus on solutions.
Stay consistent. Show willingness to tackle challenges for the team’s benefit.
2. Micromanaging
Behaviour: Closely controlling tasks, focusing on every detail, and hesitating to delegate. Impact: Teams feel demotivated, disengaged, and untrusted. Creativity and accountability are affected.
What You Should Do:
Set clear expectations. Define roles, deadlines, and deliverables clearly.
Trust your team. Provide autonomy and step in only when necessary.
Monitor results, not methods. Focus on outcomes rather than task processes.
3. Inconsistent Decision-Making
Behaviour: Frequently changing decisions without clear reasoning. Impact: Teams feel confused, frustrated, and less confident in leadership.
What You Should Do:
Gather information. Understand the situation before making decisions.
Explain your reasoning. Share the rationale behind decisions to create alignment.
Be transparent about changes. Communicate any changes clearly and ensure the team understands the reasons.
4. Failing to Follow Through
Behaviour: Making commitments that are not fulfilled, whether intentional or not. Impact: Trust diminishes, and the team question’s reliability.
What You Should Do:
Prioritise commitments. Promise only what can realistically be delivered.
Track accountability. Use tools or methods to manage obligations.
Communicate obstacles. Inform the team promptly of any barriers and adjust expectations.
5. Taking Credit Without Recognition
Behaviour: Not acknowledging the team’s work or claiming credit. Impact: Resentment grows, and team morale decreases.
What You Should Do:
Celebrate team success. Publicly acknowledge individual and group contributions.
Make it personal. Offer one-on-one praise to show appreciation for efforts.
Be authentic. Genuine recognition strengthens bonds and engagement.
Your Behaviour Shapes Your Authority
Authority as a project manager is built through consistent behaviours that inspire trust and respect.
By identifying and addressing these habits, you can foster a stronger connection with your team and establish yourself as a dependable leader.
By identifying and addressing these habits, you can foster a stronger connection with your team and establish yourself as a dependable leader.
Remember: Leadership is about self-awareness and growth.
Looking to improve your leadership skills?
Join our 'Essential Skills for Project Managers' course to learn strategies that help you lead effectively, inspire your team, and achieve success in every project.
Join our 'Essential Skills for Project Managers' course to learn strategies that help you lead effectively, inspire your team, and achieve success in every project.
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