Project Management

Working on the multiple projects for the past two months showed a lot of things about how our class works as a team.

#1: Focus on results and productivity and not the time clock

When we were handed a job some of us took the initiative to work outside of class time in order to get the job done. For the video tour of the school some members went to interview teachers during their lunch.

#2: Align people with the stuff they are good at

We were good at giving jobs to people that seemed good for those tasks and when we received a task we made sure to do our best at completing it to our full ability. For the video tour of the school I was in charge of making sure that the shot looked good and I also helped out with giving good ideas for filming.

#3: Align people with the projects they are passionate about

We tried to give our team members that they would enjoy doing. For example, Jason was in charge of editing the video, Gavin shot all the videos and Sami was used for to be the host of the tour because of his enthusiastic personality. 

#4: Put your best performers on your biggest opportunities

We decided to give Jason the role of editing the video (the biggest job in the entire group) because he has past experience with editing, he has the equipment and he seemed like the best person for the job.

#5: Find the balance between aggressive and realistic goals

Our group chose to stick to goals we knew we could accomplish. Unfortunately we didn’t finish in time to show the video at the grade 8 parent’s night but we worked around it and decided to work on the project for just the school website.

#6: Trust your people -- and let them know it

Our group was good at trusting each other. When someone had thoughts on the project they weren’t afraid to pitch their idea.

#7: Avoid blame (a.k.a. throwing people under the bus)

There wasn’t a lot of blame going around. Mostly people blamed students who were walking through the shot on why we took so long to tape our scenes.

#8: Foster innovation by killing projects the right way

When we came to the conclusion that we wouldn’t make the deadline for the grade 8 parent’s night we didn’t try to rush our work. Also we decided to drop the idea of one of the archery students posing with equipment because we couldn’t find somebody willing to do the job.

#9: Don't provide all the answers -- make your employees think

After a day of filming everyone knew what to do. There were very little questions being asked by our group members because everybody knew their responsibilities.

#10: Build consensus by letting people know "why"

When people in charge suggested we do something they always told us why so we could either critique their ideas or follow along.