A People-Centered Approach to Project Management

Adriana Girdler

How & why to keep people at the center of your projects Being a successful project manager means dealing with people effectively. A people-centered approach …

How & why to keep people at the center of your projects

Being a successful project manager means dealing with people effectively. A people-centered approach simply means prioritizing people-focused qualities like connection, collaboration, and continuous learning in your project.

So, let’s talk about how to have a people-centered approach to your projects.

Be clear about the WHY

In order to achieve a successful project, people need to have a clear understanding of why they are doing what they’re doing. This helps them feel connected to the work they’re doing and helps them understand how their tasks are related to accomplishing an overall strategy.

People don’t want to feel like they’re just task pushers. They want to feel like they’re a part of something BIGGER. Being clear about how your project is linked to overall strategy and the bigger picture will help people feel valued and motivated.

Encourage different perspectives

Having a people-centered project means encouraging different perspectives rather than automatically doing things your way.

Why?

Firstly, it’s respectful. You’ll find it very difficult to run a successful project if those involved don’t feel that their perspective is respected and valued. These people are subject matter experts and they got hired for a reason, so don’t shut down their perspectives.

More tips on running a people-centered project

There are several things you need to keep in mind when running a people-centered project. I created a video on just that. Head over to YouTube with me and we’ll keep having this conversation!

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Adriana Girdler, PMP | Creator of SLAY Project Management

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Adriana Girdler is a project manager, productivity specialist, entrepreneur, professional speaker, facilitator, visioning wizard, and author. As President of CornerStone Dynamics, Adriana is one of Canada’s prominent business productivity and project management specialists—helping both individuals and businesses do what they do, only better. She is a certified master black belt lean six sigma with over 20 years’ experience improving how companies work.

She also holds both PMP (project management professional) and CET (certified engineering technologist) designations. She’s a Tedx speaker, as well as a HuffPost and Thrive Global contributor. She has been interviewed on Global, CBC, CTV, CHCH, 680News Radio, Newstalk 1010, Sirius XM and published in the Globe and Mail and numerous industry magazines. WANT ADRIANA'S FREE ONLINE TRAINING? In 45 min, learn Adriana's 5 project management secrets she use on EVERY project. Sign up for the Free Webinar here: THE FAB FIVE FUNDAMENTALS OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT

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