pm-lotus by Howard Vaughan

The interdependence of truth and trust is a powerful force in projects. When both are prominent, we have a strong basis for effective team dynamics – a key ingredient of project success. Overlooking, ignoring or concealing certain realities inhibits team cohesion and severs trust – as sure as the sun rises. I call this force the Third Law of project management.

Creating an environment of truth helps build trust. This means straight talk, smart leadership and attention to good process. It also means reinforcing positives and not holding back on bad news. (Pop quiz: What’s worse than giving your sponsor bad news? Answer: Giving bad news late).

15 Truth Checks

Here are a few checks to test whether important project realities are being detected, acknowledged and acted on:

• Has a trustworthy process been used to plan and manage the project?
• Is project progress being tracked and reported accurately?
• Are team member status updates consistently submitted in a timely fashion?
• Are issues being aggressively managed?
• Are risks being reviewed at each progress review meeting?
• Are new risks being proactively identified and managed?
• Is outstanding performance being acknowledged, directly and publically?
• Is under-performance being dealt with effectively?
• Are people rewarded for behaviors that promote effective teamwork?
• Have gaps in expertise or credibility been identified and resolved?
• Is the team aligned with a common sense of purpose?
• Are morale and commitment being nurtured proactively?
• Have conflicts been acknowledged and addressed effectively?
• Are team members executing, communicating and reporting as required?
• Is a flexible leadership style in evidence, building trust across individuals and cultural differences?

Promoting open communication and instilling a sense of shared purpose are the starting points for any effective collaborative effort. But they need to be backed up by solid process and savvy leadership. Managing the project includes monitoring both the project and the project environment. It involves responsiveness to the unexpected in both project and human performance. Acknowledge the truth or face the consequences.

(See all 5 Laws summarized in The 5 Laws of Effective Project Management)