PM Chemistry: The 12-Step Guide to Mastering the PM Profession

What is PM Chemistry?

PM Chemistry is the science of understanding the relationships between project managers (PMs) and their teams, stakeholders, and organizations. It is a complex and dynamic field that requires PMs to have a deep understanding of human behavior, organizational culture, and project management theory.

The 12 Steps of PM Chemistry

The 12 steps of PM Chemistry are a framework that PMs can use to improve their relationships and achieve better project outcomes. The steps are:

1. Establish Trust: PMs must build trust with their teams, stakeholders, and organizations by being honest, reliable, and transparent.
2. Communicate Effectively: PMs must be able to communicate effectively with all stakeholders, both verbally and in writing.
3. Resolve Conflict: PMs must be able to resolve conflict effectively and fairly.
4. Motivate and Inspire: PMs must be able to motivate and inspire their teams to achieve their goals.
5. Delegate Effectively: PMs must be able to delegate effectively to their teams, giving them the authority and responsibility to get the job done.
6. Support and Develop: PMs must support and develop their teams, both professionally and personally.
7. Build Strong Relationships: PMs must build strong relationships with their teams, stakeholders, and organizations.
8. Create a Positive Work Environment: PMs must create a positive work environment for their teams, where they feel valued and supported.
9. Recognize and Reward Success: PMs must recognize and reward their teams for their successes.
10. Learn from Mistakes: PMs must learn from their mistakes and use them to improve their project management skills.
11. Stay Up-to-Date: PMs must stay up-to-date on the latest project management trends and best practices.
12. Be a Role Model: PMs must be role models for their teams, stakeholders, and organizations.

The Benefits of PM Chemistry

PM Chemistry has a number of benefits for PMs, including:

• Improved project outcomes
• Increased team productivity
• Reduced conflict
• Increased stakeholder satisfaction
• Enhanced organizational culture

How to Get Started with PM Chemistry

PMs can get started with PM Chemistry by following these steps:

1. Assess your current relationships: Take some time to assess your current relationships with your teams, stakeholders, and organization. Identify areas where you can improve.
2. Develop a plan: Once you have identified areas for improvement, develop a plan to address them. This plan should include specific goals and objectives.
3. Implement your plan: Start implementing your plan and track your progress. Make adjustments as needed.
4. Evaluate your results: Once you have implemented your plan, take some time to evaluate your results. Identify what worked and what didn't work.
5. Make adjustments: Make adjustments to your plan based on your evaluation. Continue to iterate until you achieve your desired results.

Conclusion

PM Chemistry is a powerful tool that can help PMs improve their relationships and achieve better project outcomes. By following the 12 steps of PM Chemistry, PMs can build trust, communicate effectively, resolve conflict, motivate their teams, and create a positive work environment.

PM Chemistry in Action

Case Study: The PM Who Turned Around a Troubled Project

A PM was brought in to turn around a troubled project. The project was behind schedule, over budget, and the team was demoralized. The PM used the principles of PM Chemistry to improve the project's outcome.

The PM started by building trust with the team. He was honest, reliable, and transparent. He communicated effectively with the team, both verbally and in writing. He resolved conflict fairly and effectively. He motivated and inspired the team to achieve their goals. He delegated effectively to the team, giving them the authority and responsibility to get the job done. He supported and developed the team, both professionally and personally. He built strong relationships with the team, stakeholders, and organization. He created a positive work environment for the team, where they felt valued and supported. He recognized and rewarded the team for their successes. He learned from his mistakes and used them to improve his project management skills. He stayed up-to-date on the latest project management trends and best practices. And he was a role model for the team, stakeholders, and organization.

As a result of the PM's efforts, the project was turned around. The project was completed on time, within budget, and the team was motivated and engaged. The PM's success was due in large part to his use of the principles of PM