In our Blog Ready… Set… Project Management!, we looked at some of the challenges that influence whether a project succeeds or fails. Challenges increase when you have multiple projects involving various team members and other departments. How do you manage all the moving pieces and ensure everyone is accountable for their responsibilities?
This story is about how Success Trek designed and facilitated a workshop to address these challenges.
The Task
The department of a prominent university in Chicago expressed challenges with project management and reached out to Theresa for assistance. Their challenges included managing and implementing projects across departments, leading people who do not report directly, and getting things done with limited resources.
Their goal was a customized training workshop where participants would learn how to strengthen their effectiveness in managing and implementing projects while discovering different ways to achieve greater results.
The Action
Theresa and the Success Trek team customized the content for the workshop by gaining clarity and focus on the current situation from each participant’s perspective. A pre-work survey revealed two areas of focus: holding others outside of their department accountable for their assigned tasks and managing individual workload in the face of competing priorities and staff reductions.
During the workshop, Theresa focused on current project management challenges. The content included an explanation and discussion of tools for managing projects. By applying these solutions to the current challenges, the participants could quickly relate and use them in their current situation.
The Result
The workshop resulted in the client realizing Empowered Leaders and Teams and a surprising one of Strengthened Workflow Systems. Theresa created a workshop summary with a recap of the tools discussed and how they applied to different situations. The workshop summary included notes on additional conversations to support the continued strengthening of workflow processes and communication channels.
Although initially planned as an in-person workshop, the pandemic necessitated a pivot to a virtual environment. Facilitating a virtual workshop has its unique challenges; however, Theresa was able to keep the participants focused, on track, and engaged. Participant feedback indicated that they enjoyed having a safe space to discuss experiences and challenges, the resources and practical tools provided, and the sharing of best practices, tips, and solutions.
Success Trek remains connected with this client and is pleased to report their continued success.
How can we help?
If you or your team need help to identify obstacles and challenges in your workplace situation, contact Theresa, or visit our Contact Us page to schedule a 30-minute Complimentary Conversation. Reaching a goal is a journey, and Success Trek is here to take that journey alongside you.
