Instructions- Read and Answer all Questions from the Case study below- Empathy TOP 10 QUALITIES OF A PROJECT MANAGER What is the difference between empathy and sympathy? Although the words are similar, they are, in fact, mutually exclusive. According to Norman Paul, in sympathy the subject is principally absorbed in his or her own feelings as By Timothy R. Barry they are projected into the object and has little concern for the reality and validity of the object's special experience. What qualities are most important for a project leader to be effective? Over the past few years, the people at ESI Empathy, on the other hand, presupposes the existence of the object as a separate individual, entitled to his or International, world leaders in project management training, have looked in to what makes an effective project her own feelings, ideas and emotional history (Paul, 1970). As one student so eloquently put it, It's nice when a leader. With the unique opportunity to ask some of the most talented project leaders in the world on their Project project leader acknowledges that we all have a life outside of work. Leadership courses ESI have managed to collect a running tally on their responses. Below are the top 10 in rank Competence order according to frequency listed. Simply put, to enlist in another's cause, we must believe that that person knows what he or she is doing. Leadership Inspires a Shared Vision competence does not however necessarily refer to the project leader's technical abilities in the core technology of An effective project leader is often described as having a vision of where to go and the ability to articulate it. the business. As project management continues to be recognised as a field in and of itself, project leaders will be Visionaries thrive on change and being able to draw new boundaries. It was once said that a leader is someone chosen based on their ability to successfully lead others rather than on technical expertise, as in the past. Having who lifts us up, gives us a reason for being and gives the vision and spirit to change. Visionary leaders enable a winning track record is the surest way to be considered competent. Expertise in leadership skills is another people to feel they have a real stake in the project. They empower people to experience the vision on their own. dimension in competence. The ability to challenge, inspire, enable, model and encourage must be demonstrated According to Bennis They offer people opportunities to create their own vision, to explore what the vision will mean f leaders are to be seen as capable and competent. to their jobs and lives, and to envision their future as part of the vision for the organisation. (Bennis, 1997) Ability to Delegate Tasks Good Communicator Trust is an essential element in the relationship of a project leader and his or her team. You demonstrate your trust The ability to communicate with people at all levels is almost always named as the second most important skill by in others through your actions - how much you check and control their work, how much you delegate and how much you allow people to participate. Individuals who are unable to trust other people often fail as leaders and project managers and team members. Project leadership calls for clear communication about goals, responsibility, performance, expectations and feedback. There is a great deal of value placed on openness and directness. The orever remain little more that micro-managers, or end up doing all of the work themselves. As one project project leader is also the team's link to the larger organisation. The leader must have the ability to effectively management student put it. A good leader is a little lazy. An interesting perspective! negotiate and use persuasion when necessary to ensure the success of the team and project. Through effective Cool Under Pressure communication, project leaders support individual and team achievements by creating explicit guidelines for accomplishing results and for the career advancement of team members. In a perfect world, projects would be delivered on time, under budget and with no major problems or obstacles to overcome. But we don't live in a perfect world - projects have problems. A leader with a hardy attitude will take Integrity these problems in stride. When leaders encounter a stressful event, they consider it interesting, they feel they can One of the most important things a project leader must remember is that his or her actions, and not words, set the nfluence the outcome and they see it as an opportunity. Out of the uncertainty and chaos of change, leaders rise modus operandi for the team. Good leadership demands commitment to, and demonstration of, ethical practices. up and articulate a new image of the future that pulls the project together. (Bennis 1997) And remember - never Creating standards for ethical behaviour for oneself and living by these standards, as well as rewarding those who let them see you sweat. exemplify these practices, are responsibilities of project leaders. Leadership motivated by self-interest does not Team-Building Skills serve the well-being of the team. Leadership based on integrity represents nothing less than a set of values others share, behaviour consistent with values and dedication to honesty with self and team members. In other words the A team builder can best be defined as a strong person who provides the substance that holds the team together leader "walks the talk" and in the process earns trust. n common purpose toward the right objective. In order for a team to progress from a group of strangers to a single cohesive unit, the leader must understand the process and dynamics required for this transformation. He or she Enthusiasm must also know the appropriate leadership style to use during each stage of team development. The leader must Plain and simple, we don't like leaders who are negative - they bring us down. We want leaders with enthusiasm, also have an understanding of the different team player's styles and how to capitalise on each at the proper time, for the problem at hand. with a bounce in their step, with a can-do attitude. We want to believe that we are part of an invigorating journey - we want to feel alive. We tend to follow people with a can-do attitude, not those who give us 200 reasons why Problem Solving Skills something can't be done. Enthusiastic leaders are committed to their goals and express this commitment through optimism. Leadership emerges as someone expresses such confident commitment to a project that others want Although an effective leader is said to share problem-solving responsibilities with the team, we expect our project to share his or her optimistic expectations. Enthusiasm is contagious and effective leaders know it. leaders to have excellent problem-solving skills themselves. They have a fresh, creative response to here-and- now opportunities, and not much concern with how others have performed them. (Kouzes 1987)References Bennis, W., 1997. "Learning to Lead," Addison-Wesley, MA. Kouzes, J. M: "The Leadership Challenge," JosseyBass Publishers, CA. Norman: Parental Empathy. Parenthood, Littte, Brown, NY. Available from httpszllwww.projectsmart.co.uk/top-10qualities-projectmanagerphp QUESTION 1 (15 Marks) You have just been employed as a Project Manager in your local municipality, which is marred by multiple allegations of corruption, nepotism and the lack of a competent project management team. Provide recommendations to the Municipal Manager detailing ve (5) leadership qualities that you possess. With relevant examples from the case study, explain to the Municipal Manager how you would ensure that the project is a succesle one. QUESTION 2 (15 Marks) In addition to Question 1 and, with reference to the case study, discuss three (3) key expectations that you as the Project Manager would require from your project team to ensure the successful implementation of the project. END OF PAPER