Technology Project Challenges… Continued

Skill Set Requirements – Not Just Being Certified

Resource requirements for a project or program have become a day-to-day challenge. RayAnn identified the challenge of resource availability in a previous information source, at the same time you have to ensure that the resource is the “right fit”; has the appropriate skill set. At one time, or traditionally, we could assign a technical person to a task (programmer, tester, technical support, etc.). She/he could complete the task/activity in somewhat isolation. In this fast-paced environment, you have facilitated sessions (such as JAD, etc.) and the involvement, and properly so, of the client and user. You’re required to understand the culture and the politics (that we thought could be ignored). You interact with the user(s) on a daily basis. This requires more than just possessing technical skills.

When it comes to identifying and selecting resources for projects, it’s not just considering if they have technical skills that are certified but if their “soft skills” are appropriate for the project or program. This also applies to international projects or programs, along with being aware of, and respecting, customs of other countries (Although you may not agree with the customs. There are other channels to present an issue with certain customs).

What are some of the “soft skills”?

For Project Managers:

1. Business /Personnel/Relationship Management (Within Business is the identified importance of risk management and budget estimating/forecasts for any initiative)
2. Communication (verbal and written)
3. Interpersonal
4. Presentation
5. Team Building
6. Analytical

That “fit” into a contractor and client company (it’s about interfacing with all levels of a company, customers/clients, business partners, users, etc. and realizing that success comes with the clients and users’ early project involvement.

For Technical Leads and others:

1. Communication (verbal and written)
2. Interpersonal
3. Presentation
4. Team Building
5. Analytical

If a technical lead is managing projects, include item 1 “For Project Manager”.Although “soft skills” may not be the primary requirement for certain projects, “soft skills” have become so significant to one degree or another for a project or program. The absence of the appropriate soft skills (such as Communication Skills) can contribute to project failure and customer/client dissatisfaction.

It is not just about being certified in a particular technology or project management discipline. Many project resources are certified. A as a program or project manager you are constantly evaluating resources’ skill sets, education, and experience. Several years ago, I spoke to a young man in high school that had several (five) technical certifications. He had not graduated from high school and had no working experience. He was, as he stated, getting ahead of the game.

What can be done?

• Participate and volunteer for presentations
• Work with someone who will be a mentor/coach, (Just like we do for technical skills. Some companies assign a mentor/coach to individuals)
• Take some business and organizational management training/courses (Understand that change impacts and affects the culture of a company)
• Join toast masters or another organization for public speaking and making presentations (study those that are considered good speakers and presenters)
• Take on a small presentation assignment
• Take some psychology and team building training/courses (Understand team dynamics)
• Realize that having a client, user, and people focus is important
• Develop an understanding of the best practice processes. (See newsletter archives and read the book, “Software or Firmware Configuration Management”)

When selecting resources for a project activity/task assignment, obtain information about the individuals identified and discuss the project objectives, tasks, and skill set requirements before making that final decision. When you have only one choice, discuss up front what’s required and expected, and then monitor and coach as required. If it’s not working out, make that change because you can be assured the client/user(s) are aware of, or see, a “bad match” for the project. (The situation occurred on two of my projects. In a meeting, the sponsors/customers stated they was aware of the issue and that they were satisfied that I had taken the appropriate steps for the sake of the project.)