New software project manager (2)-Where does power come from?

Technical conflicts are common problems for technical project managers. At the beginning, it was only a technical discussion, and the discussion became a technical conflict.

1. Little story

James was in a bad mood recently because of a technical debate. When solving a technical problem, the design of Zhang San and Li Si is different. From the perspective of Michael Zhang, the design of Mr. Li is terrible, but there is no way to persuade Mr. Li. As a result, James used the power of the project manager to forcibly use his own solution. I did not expect to be strongly resisted by Li Si. At last, Li Si unexpectedly resigned. Zhang San was also criticized by the leaders, so he was very depressed. He couldn't figure it out, and his efforts to deliver better products had actually led to such a result.

2. conventional ideas

This is a headache. Most novice project managers come from development. The reason why they become project managers is that they have excellent technical R & D capabilities. However, after becoming a project manager, I naturally continue my work habits. To ensure that the project objectives are achieved on time and by quality, the easiest way is to make technical decisions quickly.

There are usually several ways to deal with the above situation: 1) the project manager should abandon the technical decision to ensure teamwork; 2) the project manager should continue to make technical decisions, the team members are mainly obedient; 3) the two sides conduct technical disputes. If their technical solutions are good, they will use them. If there is no dispute, they will find people to decide.

3. Continue Thinking

3.1Where does power come from?

It seems that it is a reasonable solution for Michael to discard technology. After all, he is a project manager and ensuring project success is his top priority. However, this seemingly reasonable solution is basically impossible to implement. Michael Zhang was originally a project manager with technical capabilities. Giving up technology is to let Michael give up his power and let him have nothing but power.

Unless Michael can look for strength from other directions.

3.1Collective Interests.Personal Interests

Conflicts between collective interests and personal interests are not uncommon. In Chinese culture, the education we received from childhood means that personal interests are subject to the collective interests. As a project manager, it seems that the collective interests should be considered more. When a conflict arises, if Michael Jacob thinks that his solution represents the collective interest, then Mr. Li does not know why he has to sacrifice my personal interest for the collective interest. If Michael Jacob chooses to avoid conflicts, he chooses Li Si's plan to sacrifice his own interests.

This typical conflict is misleading, and any choice in front of a novice project manager is almost a trap.These options can either avoid conflicts, avoid the impact of personal success factors on project success, or strengthen conflicts so that team members can focus on personal interests and lead to team orientation.

4. Reference Cases

4.1Reference case 1

Project Manager Wang Lei and architect Ding Feng recently had a dispute over a design. Ding Feng insisted on his perfect design scheme and thought that the scheme fully considered the current and mid-and long-term needs, but it was difficult to implement the scheme for a long time. Wang Lei proposed a simple and many design schemes, which were short in time and quick in effect. The two sides began to dispute over the advantages and disadvantages of the solution and delayed their selection.

After a short review, Wang Lei contacted the customer manager to submit the following requirements. The project team should arrive at the design plan within three days and deliver the results within 15 days. After discussion with Ding Feng, Ding Feng gave up his plan because the time requirement was not met.

4.2Case 2

Project Manager Wang Lei and architect Ding Feng recently held a dispute over a design. Although the solutions of both parties are similar, it is difficult to distinguish between advantages and disadvantages. The two sides began to dispute over the advantages and disadvantages of the solution and delayed their selection.

After a short reflection, Wang Lei decided to give up his solution. He discussed with Ding Feng and listed his worries about Ding Feng's design scheme. In the subsequent processes, Wang Lei continued to pay attention to the issues he was worried about.

4.3Case 3

Project Manager Wang Lei and developer Li Zhi recently had a dispute over a design. As an experienced developer, Wang Lei found that Li Zhi's design scheme has obvious defects. But Li Zhi does not think so.

Considering that this is a long-term product and this design is relatively easy to revoke, Wang Lei agreed with Li Zhi's solution. He talked with Li Zhi to keep Li Zhi informed. Later, the problem occurred. With the help of Wang Lei, Li Zhi reconstructed the design.

(In another short-term project, Wang Lei decided to adopt his own design scheme, and explained the reasons to Li Zhi before the selection .)