In the fast-paced world of project management, encountering difficult situations when dealing with managers and with challenging employees – is not uncommon. These situations often severely disrupt project progress, undermine team morale, and test even the most seasoned project managers. This session offers practical strategies and actionable insights for project managers to effectively “manage up”, navigate conflicts, manage difficult personalities, build productive working relationships, manage expectations, lead challenging discussions, and maintain project momentum in the face of adversity.
This unique course empowers participants with actionable strategies to effectively “manage” difficult situations with their managers and effectively handle challenging situations with their employees; fostering positive team dynamics, managing expectations, and maintaining project momentum with confidence and resilience. This session is about navigating the turbulent waters of the inter-office politics and relationships.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
- Project managers
- Project sponsors
- Team Leads
- Managers
- Supervisors
PARTICIPANTS WILL LEARN TO:
- Practical strategies for managing difficult situations with managers and with challenging employees
- Enhanced communication skills to navigate conflicts and foster positive relationships
- Tools for conflict resolution and effective stakeholder management
- Insights into building resilient and cohesive project teams in the face of adversity
- Lead difficult conversations
- Build stronger alignment with stakeholders
- Establish consensus and build trust
COURSE OUTLINE
Introduction and Context
- The causes and the impact of dealing with “difficult” people
Difficult Behaviours
- Sources, signs, and impact of difficult behaviours
Stakeholder Analysis
- Review ways to conduct a meaningful stakeholder analysis effectively
Effective Communication Techniques
- Influencing and motivating others
Conflict Resolution Strategies
- Learn to when and how to utilize each strategy and approach
Build Positive Relationships
- Examine your own communication style
- Learn about the types and styles of those around you
- Quick introduction to DiSC analysis
- Build relationships that survive challenges, difference in opinions, disagreements, and misalignments
Manage Upwards Effectively
- Manage expectations
- Provide clear context
- Build productive relationships
Empower the Team
- Proactively coach and mentor
- Address challenges constructively
- Diffuse the negative impact emotions have on situations
METHODOLOGY
This interactive course combines conversations, discussions, activities, and exercises, along with practical real-life application of the concepts, ideas and learnings.