Highlighting the Positives

All too frequently Project Managers focus only on the negatives or lack of meeting schedule/cost/performance objectives in a Project environment. Don't forget that highlighting the Positives helps create an environment where personnel can maintain and create motivation- and sometimes even more importantly, keep good open communication channels open. The last thing you want to happen is for people to avoid wanting to bring up issues and events- this will tend to lead to you being the last to know, vs. the first to know.

While most of our tools and measurements are designed to see where things are going off-track, people need to feel appreciated and acknowledged as well as when their activities need adjustments. Celebrate successes, and try and Catch people doing the right things. Many managers and co-workers miss opportunities to congratulate or thank people who go above and beyond, but rarely miss an opportunity to criticize when mistakes are made. Performance tracking should not be a one-way street.

Here are some simple guidelines to help keep the Big Picture:

- Make a real effort to recognize when a team member went above and beyond to help, or did an outstanding job on something (don't forget the subcontractors too!).
Evaluate the situation
Was it a good example of excellence?
Is it appropriate for you to give feedback? Would it be welcome?
Do you know enough about it to describe exactly why they went above and beyond?
Are you sincerely impressed with the example?
Give sincere feedback
Use the proper channel
Face to face is usually best
Sometimes an email to their manager may be appropriate
Other times just stopping by and expressing your sentiments is best
In front of other people or in public is ideal (Remember: Praise in public, condemn in private!)
Use the proper timing - immediate is usually best
Give credit where credit is due
Acknowledge the efforts of individuals where possible when discussing an effort or result. Make a point to let everyone know who did great work, by name.
Being sincere is critical, otherwise your efforts can backfire. If you do this every day, or for mundane things, people will see right through your lack of sincerity. Only acknowledge people for going above and beyond when they actually and obviously went above and beyond.

Try the following scenario: When you're chatting with people, instead of talking about how frustrated you are with the project or someone, mention how somebody did a good job or how the team really came through. See if you notice any reactions or appreciation...

5 Whys Technique

Problem: Bi-weekly washing of the Lincoln Memoria1 was causing accelerated deterioration of the stone.

1. Why must we wash it so often? This is the only monument that requires such frequent washing.
Answer: Bird dropping must be removed.

2. Why are there so many birds?
Answer: The birds are feeding on. the spiders in the memorial.

3. Why does this monument have so many more spiders?
Answer: The spiders are feeding on the mites in the memorial.

4. Why does this monument have so many more mites?
Answer: The mites are drawn to the lights turned on at night.

5. Why does it have so many mites compared to the other memorials?
Answer: Traditionally the lights at the Lincoln Memorial have been turned on 2 hours before sunset arid off 2 hours after sunrise while the lights at other memorials are turned on. at sunset and off at sunrise.

SOLUTION: Turn the Lincoln Memorial’s lights on at sunset and off at sunrise.


Project/Process Managers must often "peel the onion" back to understand the underlying cause of problems and be willing to ask multiple questions and challenge existing customs and procedures.