Some projects are doomed by insufficient budgets, unyielding schedules, lack of senior buy-in, lack of user-adoption, or technical failures. Some projects are doomed because of their project managers. Most projects fail, or are in danger of failing, because of people problems. Working on a few people skills, then, can help increase the odds of success for projects big and small.

An ineffective project manager demonstrates these behaviors:

• Insufficient Communication. What I often see is managers taking a lot of information in, but giving back very little to the team. They cannot clearly articulate what they’re doing, where they’re going, or what their objectives are. A project that is not clearly defined, and a team that does not have a good understanding of their roles and responsibilities, starts ten paces behind. Most of the time, it is difficult to catch up.
• Lack of Mutual Respect. I hate to use the word “bad,” but managers who do not value their teams are, in fact, bad. There is no reason why a manager cannot treat their team with respect. People pick up on those feelings, and they lose interest in the whole project.

Why try to go above and beyond for someone, who does not care about you or who may even actively disrespect you? Some people may try harder at first, but this energy fades, and they simply do not do their best work. Why should they? Respect is a two-way street; if you don’t give it, you’re not going to get it. It’s that simple.

• No Ability to Engage. “I’m just here punching my card, putting my time in.” Attitudes like this generally result from a lack of communication and respect, but also from a lack of engagement. Why is your team here, other than a paycheck? Why should they care? When people are disengaged, they become like zombies. It’s not that they want to be apathetic, it’s that they have no reason to be otherwise.

A project manager needs their team to perform as a cohesive unit. Knowledge is contained within these people, and a project only benefits from collective wisdom and skill. You need them to step up and push themselves in order to transfer knowledge, deliver a successful outcome, and implement changes effectively. If you can communicate clearly, earn and give respect, and engage and motivate your team, your project will not fail.