People-Centric Project Management

Book excerpt: Research has shown that most projects fail not because of technological issues but, rather, issues related to people such as a lack of (or poor) communication, inadequate leadership, unclear lines of authority, and poor motivation. Dealing with individual behaviors, organizational culture, and internal politics can distract a project manager from value-added activities, leading to overwork, stress, and overall project chaos. Using three case studies to frame the analysis, this book illustrates the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of how people can affect a project's outcomes. It also explains the root causes of people issues and how to best deal with them while managing a project. Every project manager faces challenges when dealing with people. Read this book and learn how better to prevent these issues and how to resolve them when they do arrive.