OGL 320: Foundations of Project Management

Module 5 Worksheet
Use your own words; however, when you quote or paraphrase, remember to cite per APA Standards
using information in the APA Tools and Template Area.

Be sure to proofread your work for spelling or grammatical errors because repeated errors will
result in earning fewer points.

A paragraph is 4-5 sentences.

Section 1: Case Study

“Ducor Chemical” offers an interesting example on the impact of personality differences and
conflict on projects. After reading this example and considering the other module materials, discuss
what you think are the best approach(es) to this situation.

1) How would you suggest a partnership is created between the project manager and line
manager?

A partnership can be created between the project manager and the line manager by first
establishing communication, following the project plan, finding a purpose and value for the
project and having flexibility to adapt to the project challenges and opportunities. For
instance, having good open communication is optimal to have in a collaborative situation
where the project manager and line manager will need to be in constanct contact so that they
can work together on the project thus establishing the partnership. Furthermore, having an
following the project plan will make sure that both leaders are able to establish what is
needed in the project from them and following those guidelines to stay within the project
plan.

In addition, to continue creating the partnership both leaders will need to find the purpose
and the value that their skills and participation add to the project scope and management.
Moreover, in this case there was a lot of going back and forth and the project manager didn’t
agree with what the line manager establish as the scientist in the project and so there was
conflict that needed to be addressed and resolved. The conflict created an opportunity for
them to adapt to the challenges and find opportunities to establish what was important for
the project and collorate together. In conclusion, finding the tone for communication,
focusing on following the project plan, finding the purpose and their value in the plan and
ultimately having flexibility and and adapting to the project would provide an opportunity to
come together and form a strong partnership to move the project forward in a positive way.

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 2) What do you think is the best way to remove an employee who is not performing as
expected?

The best way to assist in removing an employee who is not performing as expected can
begin by using techniques to resolve conflicts in the workplace. For instance, the last resort
would be to remove an employee only after all available resources have been exhausted to
attempt to turn around the employee to perform better. The first step would be to talk to the
employee on a one-on-one conversation to see if there are any misunderstanding about the
job, what is going on with with the employee and see if there are any circumstances the
employee is going through to attempt to resolve the issue.

After this has been established and there is no positive outlook there should be a procedure
in place that will guide the termination process. I would partner with my supervisor(s) to
formulate a plan that will address the performance issues, and ensure the business is not
negatively impacted. After this, we would move with the termination procedures and doing
this in partnership with HR and operations to deliver the termination of employment.

Section 2: Teams
The readings, video clips, and slideshow offer several examples of how to build high performing
teams, deal with conflict, manage virtual or cross-cultural teams, and foster successful team
communication.

1) Citing specific examples from the course content (including the clips about Steve Jobs),
discuss the points that most resonated with you. Did you experience any “a ha”
moments?

There was a lot of great information in this short clip about Steve Jobs that relates to the
course content and that resonated with me. The first aha moment that I discovered watching
this clip is where Jobs mentions about having tremendous teamwork. This relates to the
notion that in order to be successful in a project the team members need to be in alignment
and working together as a team to move a project forward. Another great point that was
made in the video was the fact that Steve Jobs is a facilitator in his meetings and he runs the
meeting while also being a contributor of ideas. Otherwise he mentioned there was no point
of him being there. This tells of leaders being actively participating in the projects and not
only leading the meeting but actively participating while engaging the team members to
participate.

In addition, another aha moment was when Steve Jobs mentioned about his team connecting
and touching base frequently to keep the ideas and momentum going. This is very important
because projects tend to run with high morale at the beginning and then morale dips towards
the middle of the project. Therefore staying connected and touching base frequently helps
every staying engaged and receiving the most up to date information on the project.
Furthermore, another great point that was talks about if you want to keep great talent in your
company you have to let staff make decisions and run ideas in a non-hierarchy level and the
best ideas win. This talks about a leader who is engaging and uses servant leadership style
and adaptive style to lead which really empowers the team and builds trust for the group to
run more efficiently. In conclusion, all the positive aspects of leadership Steve Jobs used in
his role made Apple a great success.
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 2) Share your personal experiences in observing these strategies in action (either as an
observer or implementer)?

Some of my personal experiences in observing these strategies in action at my workplace

with my supervisor include: Having a strong teamwork ethic, being a great facilitator and
participator in meetings, also touching base frequently on projects and including the
supervisees’ and team members’ ideas in the projects and decision-making process of the
work. For instance, my supervisor values and understands the importance of team work and
what each staff member can contribute to the team in their expertise, skills and strengths. In
addition, my supervisor exhibits the qualities of a great facilitator when she leads the
meetings and includes everyone’s opinions and points of view to guide the discussion while
also participating herself with her own ideas and thoughts which creates great conversations
in a meeting.

In addition, another strategy that I’ve observed in action is touching base frequently with her
supervisees and department staff around announcements, projects and items that we’re
working on. My supervisor stays connected and available to talk about what’s going on, if
there are any concerns, questions and/or follow up needed and it makes it really wholesome
as you feel supported and heard. Lastly, I’ve also observed including the supervisees’ ideas
and really thinking them through when it comes to decision-making as she knows these
decisions affect the whole group/department and it’s vital that other’s points of views are
considered to see the big picture and make the best decision possible for the team. In
conclusion, these are excellent qualities to have and its great to see them in action because
they really make a positive impact, they build rapport, trust and a long-term connection that
makes for a reflective practice.

3) What are your plans to implement any of these strategies in your present job or in the
future? Why?

My plans to implement these strategies in my current job and in the future include being
inclusive, a collaborative innovator, being a team player, considering everyone’s points of
view and following up with projects and making sure to touch base around projects and
follow up through with agreed commitments. All the aspects that Steve Jobs mentioned in
addition that my supervisor exhibits are great leadership qualities that should be
implemented in a leadership role. These qualities are what connects the team, keeps them
going and also creates a connection that is genuine, trusting and when the team members in
a a group feel safe and accepted there is growth and a bond to continue working together.

References:

Harvard Business School Press. (2004). Harvard Business Essentials: Managing Projects
Large and Small.

YouTube. (2010. YouTube. Retrieved August 2, 2022, from

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f60dheI4ARg&t=5s

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