The mind works in mysterious ways, and unless its processes are comprehended, getting a group of people to deliver a unified outcome can be a real issue. The psychology of project management therefore incorporates aspects of:
- Group dynamics
- Benefit vs threat
- Responsibility and initiative
- Attitudes towards deadlines
- Motivation
- Communication
- Reward and punishment
- Team working
For long term projects, the comprehension of these elements is important, but their frequent consideration and review is absolutely vital. Each individual brings their own understanding, prejudices, fears and desires to the project, and managing the collective of those is where true project management takes on a different level.
Managing time, actions, records and results are valuable aspects of project management, but it can be made so much more effective and take people’s attitudes to another level if they are applied with a greater understanding of how we work subconsciously.
Working with internal teams, external partners, or outsourcing the whole project management function, your outcome will be enhanced by including and applying psychology at key stages. From identification of who needs to be involved and developing the sense of ‘team’ to creating a culture for the project and encouraging people to take responsibility, psychology is at the heart of interactions such as these. A simple awareness of body language can totally change the way a meeting functions, so think what it can do for the delivery of a whole project.
If you have or are considering delivery of a large project, contact us for further details of how our involvement can maximise on the results achieved externally, internally and inpidually, making for better motivated and empowered employees and partners.