How do you show leadership and collaboration as a program manager?
As a program manager, you are responsible for delivering complex and cross-functional projects that involve multiple stakeholders, teams, and resources. You need to show leadership and collaboration skills to align the vision, goals, and expectations of everyone involved, and to ensure the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of the program outcomes. How do you demonstrate these skills in your role? Here are some tips to help you.
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Sanjukta KunduGlobal Program Delivery, Governance & Risk management specialist | Transformation & Change enabler | Collaborator |…
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Hariom Singh ᴘʜ.ᴅ. ᴘᴍᴘ® ʀᴍᴘ® ᴍʙᴀTransformative PMO Leader | Simplifier | Problem Solver | Product Partner | Innovation Driver | Operational &…
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Kareem Abd El-Salam, PMP®, AgilePM®Head of Project Management at Fawry MSME Finance
One of the first steps to show leadership and collaboration as a program manager is to define and communicate the program objectives clearly and consistently to all the stakeholders, teams, and sponsors. You need to articulate the value proposition, the scope, the milestones, the risks, and the dependencies of the program, and how they align with the organizational strategy and priorities. You also need to establish the roles and responsibilities, the governance structure, and the decision-making process of the program, and ensure that everyone understands and agrees on them.
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As a Program Manager: >Appreciate/ advertise & support team and acknowledge their contribution. > Ensure internal kick off and all stakeholders (IT, HR, team..) know the program's objectives. > Ensure daily interaction with team > Program Manager has to be technology agnostic; but upgrade yourself of new technologies so that you can advocate the team's perspective. > Listen with care- promote team's ideation to execution. > Stay accountable; follow up diligently. > Lead the governance & reporting; but ensure you give team the limelight to report success points. While YOU voice the lows, which are risks; you ensure true design to produce the expected outcome. > Team & vendor partners are also stakeholders -collaborate to work as ONE team.
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Leadership and collaboration are pivotal in program management. Start by defining clear objectives that align with organizational goals, ensuring everyone knows the program's 'why,' 'what,' and 'how.' Building a culture of trust and accountability is essential; create an environment where teams feel empowered yet accountable for outcomes. Encourage open dialogue and teamwork to foster a shared vision, valuing diverse perspectives for richer problem-solving. Exhibit the behaviors you want to see, such as active listening and empathy, to inspire collaborative effort. Regular, effective communication with stakeholders helps manage expectations and respond to feedback, ensuring a successful program.
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I feel like I’m restating what has already been said, but leading by example and working to get all stakeholders to by in are key. Everyone needs to understand the big picture, the strategic vision. They also need to understand what their part is in making that vision a reality. Yes it is your job to set expectations and goals, but more importantly it’s your job to make those expectations shared by all. Figure out the motivations of your individual team members and then show them how they are important to the end goal using those motivations.
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Leadership is not about dictating to the team and expecting results, but about walking with them and showing the way. Effective Leadership comes from empathising with the team and trying to resolve their pain points. Collaboration comes from inclusivity. Once you understand that each team member has a unique skill set and they can bring in their individual expertise to collectively come up with solutions, you bring in Collaboration and efficiency, which further enhances your Leadership.
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Leadership begins with vision. The program objectives should not only be clear but also aligned with the organization's larger strategy. As a program manager, you are the custodian of this vision, responsible for articulating it in a manner that resonates with everyone—from team members to stakeholders and sponsors. Whether it's the value proposition, scope, milestones, or risks involved, all elements should strategically align with the organization’s goals.
Another key skill to show leadership and collaboration as a program manager is to foster a culture of trust and accountability among the program participants. You need to build rapport, respect, and transparency with all the parties involved, and create a safe and supportive environment for feedback, learning, and innovation. You also need to empower and enable the teams to work autonomously and collaboratively, and to hold them accountable for their deliverables and performance. You need to recognize and celebrate the achievements and contributions of the teams, and address any issues or conflicts promptly and constructively.
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Trust is the cornerstone of any strong working relationship, and it's the program manager's role to build and sustain it. This involves transparent communication about both the program's progress and any challenges encountered. Openness should be encouraged at all levels, from team members sharing obstacles they are facing to stakeholders being candid about their expectations and concerns. In this kind of environment, feedback becomes constructive rather than punitive, fostering continuous learning and innovation.
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💡🍂 As a program manager, fostering a culture of trust is essential. Communicate openly, listen actively, and lead by example. Encourage transparent and honest communication among team members. Delegate responsibilities, provide autonomy, and trust in the abilities of your team. Recognize and appreciate achievements, and provide constructive feedback. Create a safe space for sharing ideas and addressing concerns. Be fair and consistent in decision-making processes. Show integrity and follow through on commitments. By prioritizing trust, you can create a positive work environment that promotes collaboration and success. 👌🏻
A third skill to show leadership and collaboration as a program manager is to adapt and respond to changes and challenges that may arise during the program lifecycle. You need to monitor and evaluate the progress, the quality, and the impact of the program, and identify any gaps, risks, or opportunities for improvement. You need to communicate and consult with the stakeholders, teams, and sponsors on any changes or adjustments that may be required, and seek their input and buy-in. You also need to leverage the skills, knowledge, and resources of the program participants, and encourage them to share best practices, lessons learned, and solutions.
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Responding to changes and challenges requires adaptability and strategic thinking. Quickly assess the situation, identify potential impacts, and communicate effectively with stakeholders. Develop contingency plans, involving the team in decision-making. Proactively address risks and mitigate their impact. Allocate resources wisely and adjust timelines as needed. Foster a problem-solving mindset, encouraging innovation and flexibility. Regularly monitor progress, adjust plans accordingly, and provide support to the team. Maintain open communication channels and manage stakeholder expectations. By being proactive, agile, and collaborative, program managers can effectively navigate changes and challenges, ensuring successful program outcomes.
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Be willing to get your hands dirty alongside your team mates. Sometimes capacity can be taxed by outside variables one couldn’t predict when the project started. As a leader you use the expertise and knowledge you have to help and encourage your team.
A fourth skill to show leadership and collaboration as a program manager is to align and integrate the program outputs and outcomes with the organizational goals and needs. You need to ensure that the program delivers the expected value, benefits, and impact to the customers, users, and sponsors, and that it meets the quality, budget, and time standards. You also need to coordinate and harmonize the program outputs and outcomes with other related programs, projects, or initiatives, and ensure that they are consistent, coherent, and complementary.
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Its important detail because allí stake holders needs to be update over improvements and advances overall program and how impact daily operations
A fifth skill to show leadership and collaboration as a program manager is to learn and grow as a professional and as a leader. You need to seek feedback, coaching, and mentoring from your peers, managers, and mentors, and reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for development. You also need to pursue continuous learning opportunities, such as courses, certifications, webinars, or podcasts, and stay updated on the latest trends, tools, and techniques in program management. You need to share your insights, experiences, and expertise with others, and contribute to the program management community and network.
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Leadership in EdTech: - Craft an inspiring vision for your EdTech program, emphasizing transformation in education. - Utilize your educational background to align EdTech with best practices. - Collaborate with educators and students for user-centered design. - Advocate for EdTech through partnerships and data-driven improvement. - Establish a robust feedback loop and provide professional development for teachers. Collaboration in EdTech: - Prioritize inclusive learning and accessibility. - Foster a sense of community among users for knowledge sharing. - Collaborate with experts for content curation. - Conduct pedagogical research to measure the impact of your solutions. - Ensure equity in access to EdTech solutions.
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Advocate for your team and provide them with the necessary professional development you might not have had. Communicate with them daily and make sure that you show your gratitude and appreciation for the things they accomplish. Your team is an invaluable asset to any program or project you work. If you treat them with respect and lead them with kindness you will be seen as an effective leader.
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Effective program managers set a clear vision while fostering open communication and trusted relationships with stakeholders. Take responsibility for outcomes and make decisive choices after collaborative input. Empower teams by removing roadblocks, providing support, recognizing achievements, and developing skills. collaborate by listening to diverse ideas and gaining alignment. Anticipate stakeholder needs and provide support proactively. They model integrity, accountability, dedication, and grace under pressure. Program managers enable stakeholders and teams to succeed through inclusive collaboration, communication, and support while maintaining focus on the vision and strategy. They lead by empowering others.
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One of the most effective ways to foster teamwork and innovation in your organization is to adopt a servant leadership style. Servant leaders put the needs and interests of their team above their own, and they empower them to achieve their goals. Servant leaders are not authoritarian or directive, but rather they listen, empathize, coach, and support their team members. By doing so, they create a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration that enables everyone to perform at their best.
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Leaders encouraging diversity in collaboration is crucial for fostering innovation, creativity, and inclusivity, particularly in leadership and teamwork. When diverse individuals with varied backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences come together, they bring a richness of ideas and approaches to problem-solving. This variety of insights leads to a comprehensive understanding of complex issues and promotes the development of holistic and effective solutions in program management. Additionally, promoting diversity in collaboration within leadership initiatives nurtures an environment that values and respects unique contributions, leading to increased team cohesion, and ultimately, enhanced success of your program.
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As a leader, set clear goals, motivate the team, and provide guidance. Lead by example, displaying strong work ethic, integrity, and professionalism. Foster a collaborative environment by encouraging open communication and active listening. Empower team members, valuing their input, and encouraging diverse perspectives. Delegate tasks effectively, utilizing each individual's strengths. Facilitate teamwork by promoting synergy and resolving conflicts constructively. Recognize and appreciate team achievements, boosting morale. Emphasize collaboration with stakeholders, seeking their input, and involving them in decision-making processes.
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- Empower Your Team: Delegate responsibilities and allow team members to make decisions within their areas of expertise. This empowers them and fosters collaboration. -Conflict Resolution: Address conflicts within the team promptly and constructively. Encourage dialogue and help find solutions that benefit the program. -Celebrate Achievements: Recognize and celebrate milestones and achievements. This motivates the team and reinforces a sense of collaboration. -Continuous Learning: Encourage ongoing learning and development within the team. This helps to improve skills and knowledge, fostering a culture of collaboration and growth. -Team Building: Organize team-building activities to strengthen relationships and trust among team members
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