Project Management without parameters

Anonymous

December 1,2022 at 7:03PM UTC

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Project Management without parameters

Anyone have tips on how to manage a team when you have not been given metrics or guidelines about the teams purpose and all attempts at gaining clarity have resulted in do what seems important to you? My office has decided to take a teams approach to working on several major projects. I've been asked to lead one. It is around a task that is part of my central job duties. I struggle with doing things without a clear purpose. I tried to ask if we were taking a teams approach because there were complaints about the process or necessary improvements and received no feedback about that. I also tried to ask if it was because of anticipated staffing changes. Like if they want to replace me, release me, that's fine. I'm happy to wrap things up and tell them what they need to know to try to do the process well, but I also received no feedback on that either. So I'm not sure if I'm supposed to be doing business as usual, innovating, or preparing the department for my exit, or some combination. I've thought about approaching it as a knowledge sharing activity. Anyway, if anyone has ever been in a similar situation, I would appreciate suggestions. Thank you in advance for any help you can provide.

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AnonymousDecember 1,2022 at 8:18PM UTC
I would continue to innovate and lead the team. You could follow up with an email outlining what you've accomplished, plan to continue to work on, and future goals and send to all relevant parties.
If you don't hear back, then follow-up in a week and ask for a meeting or "check-in."
You could also have a contingency plan if they do remove you from the department, highlighting what you've done, tasks, etc. in case it comes to you in short notice.
AnonymousDecember 17,2022 at 2:26PM UTC
This is a tough one that I would also find frustrating. I was asked the same thing at one point in my first career, only it was a solo project to put together a planning document for a new product line. I was not given any outline or a sample document, so I had difficulty knowing what she was looking for. I did my best, submitted an initial document draft, and received feedback. This was challenging because I eventually rewrote the document several times, and it probably took twice as much time as it would have if I had been given direction up front, but we got through it. My advice is to start with what you think they want, get something 20-30% complete, and then ask for a critique. If they want an innovation, develop a prototype. If they are asking for a document, give them the initial outline and go from there. Be sure to submit frequent updates to the progress of the project you are asked to lead and request feedback.