Module 06 Written Assignment – Team Operating Rules

Being a manager at any level can be a challenge. Being a new manager in a situation where you are the junior member of the group, can really be a challenge. Being the least experienced person in a group and being put into the leadership role can cause the rest of the group members to not respect you and even question your authority. When put in a situation like this, a person has to do the right things, or there could be a disaster in store. The first thing a person needs to do in this situation is to establish themselves as a competent project manager so that team members will value their input. In my opinion, one of the biggest things that can help to establish a person as a leader is confidence. People like to follow confidence. The thing is, how do you get this confidence, being the junior member of a group. First off, you should try to know as much as you can on the project, so if any questions arise you are ready for them. Just feeling like you are ready can increase your confidence. And another thing is, even if you are not confident, you need to portray to the rest of the team members that you are confident. This will give them a sense that you know what you are doing and are in control. If they feel you are confident about the project you have going, they will be more likely to fall in line. Another way of establishing leadership is by coordinating tasks, so that they come through you, this way you have an input and touch in everything. Even if it is just checking in after a task is done and telling you what happened, it still gives the sense of authority. Also I think setting goals is another good way to get a group behind you. If you can get them on board with your goals, they will be more likely to latch onto other ideas of yours. When establishing the team operating rules, it is important to make your spot as leader concrete by way of the rules. For example, saying every final decision has to be run through you is a good idea, just so you have your influence in that part of the project. Also, you may want to establish some sort of hierarchy in the people working below you. You could potentially have two or three people below you who are your “second in commands” who report directly to you. This further establishes your leadership role. Overall, I think the biggest thing when it comes to establishing leadership is confidence though. People feed off of a person who is exuding confidence, and naturally want to follow this person. Also knowing your stuff when it comes to the project is absolutely necessary. If you come across as very knowledgeable and informed on the project you are undertaking, people will be far more likely to trust you as their leader. I think these two things can really go a long way when it comes to taking a leadership role.