Last updated on Jul 3, 2024

Here's how you can effectively manage oil and gas projects by being assertive.

Managing oil and gas projects requires a unique blend of technical know-how and interpersonal skills. Assertiveness, a key trait for effective project management, is often misunderstood as aggression. However, it's about clear, confident communication and the ability to enforce boundaries while respecting others. In the high-stakes environment of oil and gas, where safety, efficiency, and profitability are paramount, being assertive can help you navigate complex projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required standards.

1 Assertive Planning

Assertive project management starts with planning. In oil and gas projects, you must be clear about your objectives, timelines, and resources. Assertiveness in planning means setting realistic but firm deadlines, allocating resources efficiently, and anticipating potential challenges. It involves being proactive in your approach and not shying away from difficult conversations about project limitations or necessary compromises. By being assertive in the planning phase, you establish a solid foundation for your project's success.

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Thiago Peres

Technology and Market Intelligence Manager | Project Management | Innovation HEAD | BIM Manager
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Independent of the project phase, planning is extremely important for the success of the project, so methodologies such as FEL (Front-End Loading), AWP (Advanced Work Packaging) and BIM (Building Information Modeling) have helped me a lot in mitigating risks, in preventive and corrective actions providing an overview of the project. The use of these methodologies in planning also helps with the flow of information, communication with interdisciplinary integration and process automation.

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Syed Fadzil Syed Mohamed

Fellow of The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (FIEM)
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Assertive management is essential for successful oil and gas projects. In our complex industry, disagreements are unavoidable. The idea is to address difficulties swiftly and directly, preventing minor issues from snowballing. We promote a more efficient and happy work atmosphere by encouraging open communication and responding to problems early on. This proactive strategy not only resolves disagreements but also fosters trust among team members, resulting in smoother project execution and improved outcomes for all stakeholders.

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2 Communication Clarity

Clear communication is vital in managing oil and gas projects. Assertiveness here means being direct and transparent with your team and stakeholders about project goals, progress, and issues. It's important to actively listen and give constructive feedback. Assertive communication ensures that everyone is on the same page, which is crucial in an industry where miscommunication can lead to significant safety risks or financial losses.

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Thiago Peres

Technology and Market Intelligence Manager | Project Management | Innovation HEAD | BIM Manager
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Without a doubt, communication is one of the factors that make a project successful or not. I really enjoy carrying out this activity with direct management in strategic locations and/or by email using the most varied resources, whether through animations and simulations linked to the project's S curve and dynamic and attractive dashboards. Whether for a specific team in a discipline or sector, for a project or for the company's project portfolio. This means that we have people who are motivated by their positive results and actions so that they can reverse the results and make them positive.

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3 Decision Authority

In the context of oil and gas projects, assertiveness also means taking charge of decision-making processes. You must be confident in making tough calls and standing by them. This involves a deep understanding of the project's technical aspects and potential risks. Assertive decision-making can minimize delays and cost overruns, ensuring the project advances smoothly even when unexpected challenges arise.

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4 Conflict Resolution

Conflict is inevitable in complex projects. Managing conflict assertively means addressing issues head-on before they escalate. In the oil and gas sector, this might involve mediating between different departments or handling disputes with contractors. By being assertive, you can resolve conflicts in a way that maintains relationships and keeps the project on track.

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5 Team Empowerment

Empowering your team is a critical aspect of assertive project management. It means trusting your team's abilities, delegating effectively, and providing the support they need to succeed. In oil and gas projects, where teamwork is essential for safety and efficiency, being assertive includes encouraging open dialogue and recognizing individual contributions. This fosters a positive work environment and drives project success.

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6 Risk Management

Finally, assertive risk management is essential in oil and gas projects. You need to identify potential risks early, assess their impact, and implement mitigation strategies decisively. Assertiveness in risk management means not hesitating to adjust project plans or take corrective action when necessary. With a proactive stance on risk management, you can protect your project from unforeseen setbacks.

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Vimal Nilesh Kumar

Senior Project Engineer | PMP Certified | Oil & Gas Upstream EPCIC Projects | 12 Years Experience | Project Engineering Management | Technical Know-How with Commercial Acumen | Excited for New Opportunities
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Risk management is an important aspect for all projects. For oil & gas EPCIC projects, late detection of risks may bring significant costs, schedule or legal implications. Risk register is a critical deliverable that should be monitored and managed throughout the project, whereby any identified risk elements should be reviewed and addressed with mitigation actions swiftly, minimizing any impact to the project timelines and / or project budgets.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can effectively manage oil and gas projects by being assertive.

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1 Assertive Planning

2 Communication Clarity

3 Decision Authority

4 Conflict Resolution

5 Team Empowerment

6 Risk Management

7 Here’s what else to consider

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