When heading a team in any project, it is important that you are able to make decisions that are effective and serve the overall aims of the team. Nicholas Calcanes has worked at the head of an array of teams since 1996 and offers the following guidance for those who are having a little trouble.
Effective Advice
In order to make the right decisions, you need to have relevant information at hand. As such, each member of the team must be capable of providing accurate reports relating to the areas they have responsibility for, allowing you to analyze the current situation before making decisions that will affect the future direction of the project.
Use the Phone
Email is an extremely effective tool, but when you need to make a quick decision it can often hamper the process. Instead of sending an email and waiting, simply pick up the phone and speak directly to the person who can help you make your decision. This will allow you to ask follow up questions immediately, instead of over the course of a number of hours.
Step Away
If a decision is giving you trouble, step away from the project for a moment and give yourself a little time to relax. Head out for lunch or take a short stroll to clear your mind. This will allow you approach the decision afresh and may help steer you away from making the easiest choice if it is not the right one.
Understand Your Team
Nicholas Calcanes understands that every member of a team brings something different, so it is important to understand how their skills will help them in their role. This, in turn, allows you to make decisions that ensure you take full advantage of the diverse skill set at your disposal.
Effective Advice
In order to make the right decisions, you need to have relevant information at hand. As such, each member of the team must be capable of providing accurate reports relating to the areas they have responsibility for, allowing you to analyze the current situation before making decisions that will affect the future direction of the project.
Use the Phone
Email is an extremely effective tool, but when you need to make a quick decision it can often hamper the process. Instead of sending an email and waiting, simply pick up the phone and speak directly to the person who can help you make your decision. This will allow you to ask follow up questions immediately, instead of over the course of a number of hours.
Step Away
If a decision is giving you trouble, step away from the project for a moment and give yourself a little time to relax. Head out for lunch or take a short stroll to clear your mind. This will allow you approach the decision afresh and may help steer you away from making the easiest choice if it is not the right one.
Understand Your Team
Nicholas Calcanes understands that every member of a team brings something different, so it is important to understand how their skills will help them in their role. This, in turn, allows you to make decisions that ensure you take full advantage of the diverse skill set at your disposal.
