Learning by Observing

As a project manager, I’ve recently had the opportunity to watch a project kick-off which wasn’t led by me. 

The traditional adage raves about learning by doing, but this kick-off has allowed me to learn a lot by observing. 

When you’re in the driver’s seat as a project manager, your focus is on organizing the work into streams, communicating the tasks and deliverables to the team, and pushing everyone to respect the timeline and meet deadlines.

When you’re just another team member, though, you’re able to observe how all of the project manager’s efforts are received by the team. You can hear the informal chatter of team members - their excitement and their concern - which is more raw and honest than anything that is ever repeated to the project manager. 

It goes without saying that this method only has value if you actually take the time to observe, and reflect, on what you’re able to discern when you’re not entirely consumed by the project manager role.

But it's also a powerful way to reset your expectations.

PMs can sometimes feel threatened when they aren’t in control or given top billing on the newest initiatives. Learning by observing is a way to become a better PM, even when you aren’t in control.