Concepts
As part of the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam, understanding how to apply networking to resolve any impediments, obstacles, or blockers that can impede a project team’s progress is critical. This is often achieved through the utilization of effective communication strategies, delegation, stepping in to resolve conflicts, and seeking assistance from key stakeholders.
I. Strategic Communication as a Network Tool
Networking essentially entails connecting with others and leveraging those connections to accomplish certain objectives. In a project management context, it involves strategic communication with team members, stakeholders, sponsors, and other important individuals.
For instance, if your project team is having issues with obtaining the resources needed for a task due to bureaucratic red tape, as the project manager, you can leverage your network to bypass these obstacles. This could involve reaching out to a key stakeholder who might use their influence to expedite the process.
II. The Power of Delegation
Delegation is a potent networking tool that helps in removing impediments or blockers within a project team. If you’ve established a solid network of competent people both inside and outside your project team, you can delegate tasks that are causing blockages.
For example, if a specific task is significantly delaying your project and internal team members are unable to resolve it, you can delegate this task to a competent individual in your broader network who possesses the required skills and resources.
III. Resolving Conflicts
Conflicts can lead to significant impediments or blockers within a project team. Effective networking can aid in conflict resolution. By utilizing your network, you may be able to draw in a neutral third party who can serve as a mediator and help to resolve the conflict.
IV. Engaging Key Stakeholders
Key stakeholders are powerful allies to have in your network, especially when facing major obstacles or impediments. Their support can be instrumental in moving projects forward, securing necessary resources and buy-in from other stakeholders.
Consider a situation where there are budget constraints impeding your project’s progress. A key stakeholder may have the ability to approve additional funding or mobilize other resources to overcome this blockade.
In conclusion, effective networking is a vital skill for any project manager looking to navigate and remove impediments, obstacles, and blockers that can hinder a project team’s progress. Whether it’s strategic communication, delegation, conflict resolution or engaging key stakeholders, remember that the essence of networking is about building and maintaining relationships. So invest time and effort in cultivating a diverse and potent network that you can rely on when faced with project impediments.
Summary
Let us conclude with a comparison table for clarity:
| Networking Tools | Examples |
|---|---|
| Strategic Communication | Bypass administrative bureaucracy |
| Delegation | Outsource a task to a capable individual in your network |
| Conflict Resolution | Enlist a neutral party to mediate conflict |
| Engaging Stakeholders | Secure additional resources or buy-in to overcome budget constraints |
Answer the Questions in Comment Section
True or False: Using a network to implement solutions is an effective way to remove impediments, obstacles, and blockers for the team.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Networking connects different resources that can contribute ideas, resources, and support, which are all effective resources for solving a problem or overcoming an obstacle efficiently.
Which of the following solutions can a network provide to remove impediments, obstacles, and blockers for a project team?
- a. New Perspective
- b. Resource Sharing
- c. Expertise
- d. All of the above
Answer: d. All of the above
Explanation: A robust network can provide new perspectives, share crucial resources, or contribute expert knowledge – all of which can be used to clear obstacles and keep a project moving forward.
True or False: Only the corporate network of an organization can be used to implement solutions to remove impediments.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: While corporate networks can certainly be instrumental, external networks, industry connections, and personal networks can also be valuable in finding solutions to project obstacles.
In PMP, stakeholders’ networks cannot be used to solve project impediments, obstacles, or blockers. True or False?
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Stakeholders, with their varied backgrounds and connections can often provide valuable insights or resources. Their networks can be a valuable asset in problem-solving.
The network used to implement solutions for a project team might include which of the following?
- a. Other project teams
- b. Stakeholders
- c. Experts within the organization
- d. All of the above
Answer: d. All the above.
Explanation: A project team’s network can stretch across various dimensions of the organization and beyond, including other teams, stakeholders, and internal experts.
Is it beneficial to include industry experts outside of the organization in the network to solve project impediments?
- a. Yes
- b. No
Answer: a. Yes
Explanation: External experts can bring a new perspective and expertise that may not exist within the organization, which can be pivotal in problem-solving.
True or False: Creating and maintaining a strong network is crucial for project managers to remove impediments effectively.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: A strong network can provide support, resources, expertise, and perspectives that are key in dealing with and clearing project obstacles and barriers.
Using social media platforms for networking can help in removing project obstacles. True or False?
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Social media platforms can facilitate quick and effective communication, gather feedback, and generate new ideas to overcome project impediments.
Smaller networking circles within the team should be discouraged in order to implement solutions efficiently. True or False?
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Smaller networking circles can encourage open communication and more nuanced problem-solving. They can also link to larger circles of influence and resources.
Which of the following is not a key element to using a network to solve project blockers?
- a. Communication
- b. Resource Sharing
- c. Idea Generation
- d. Over-reliance on a single expert
Answer: d. Over-reliance on a single expert
Explanation: While expertise is important, overly relying on a single person can be a bottleneck. A balanced and diverse network fosters resilience and innovation.
Non-digital forms of networking are ineffective in removing project obstacles. True or False?
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Non-digital forms of networking, such as face-to-face meetings, can still be very effective. Physical presence can often create stronger bonds and clearer communication.
Having a network primarily from the same professional background can limit the capability to solve project obstructions. True or False?
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Diversity in professional backgrounds often brings different perspectives, ideas, and solutions. A single professional background may limit potential approaches and solutions.
Fantastic post on using networks to unblock teams!
I found that leveraging my professional network helped me address a key blocker in our latest sprint.
Can someone explain how to build an effective network for solving project roadblocks?
Using a mentor or coach can also provide substantial insights and help navigate through obstacles.
Appreciate the insights provided in this post!
Tapping into the knowledge of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) within your network can expedite problem resolution.
Thanks for the great post. Very informative.
How do you prioritize potential solutions from your network?