Project management is as much, if not more, an art as it is a discipline. Along with the multiple certifications that are available to display that proclaim one’s right to lead a project and espouse theory and approaches, the most valuable attribute may very well be humility. Humility is defined in Wikipedia as Humility (adjectival form: humble) is the quality of being modest, reverential, even politely submissive, and never being arrogant, contemptuous, rude or even self-abasing. Humility, in various interpretations, is widely seen as a virtue in many religious and philosophical traditions, being connected with notions of transcendent unity with the universe or the divine, and of egolessness.

The first healthcare IT project that I managed was a conversion from an NCR Posting Machine used for general accounting and accounts receivable to an IBM System 32.  So I guess I am pretty accurate when I state that I’ve been involved in healthcare IT since its infant years. The lessons learned have been invaluable and they stoked my already can do, confident approach to projects, problems and life. But the most valuable lesson learned, one that had to be reinforced many times over the years was the lesson of humility. The personal and professional transition that I went through was painful. I strutted into the project full of the thought that I was put on this very important initiative because I was the smartest and most qualified person. Well, I ended the project realizing that I accomplished almost nothing on my own and the eventual success of the project was a result of the lumps that I took, many which could have been avoided,  and the lessons that taught me humility. The lumps taught me to rely on my team and recognize their ideas, input and expertise. I think that this is now second nature to me and I now know that if I am the smartest person in the room when I’m with my team, so unlikely that it could be considered impossible, then I have done myself, Santa Rosa Consulting and my customer a great disservice.

So the preamble is over and now I simply would like to put into writing just a few of the lessons that I have learned when it comes to managing projects. This isn’t a complete list, following these observations won’t guarantee success but my 30 years in the business have taught me that ignoring the forthcoming observations pretty much will drive a stake into the heart of any project.

Every manager, no matter their place in the hierarchy or chain of command should take the time to ensure, above all other priorities, that every member of the team is certain of the value that they bring to the team. Praise, encouragement and recognition should be abundant, sincere and public. Project management is in many cases a complicated mix of issues, skills and disciplines and I’m not trying in any way to discount the sophisticated professionals that carry out these duties. I have simply shared some of my favorite lessons over the years.

Santa Rosa Consulting has the project management expertise to ensure the successful completion of your healthcare IT projects. For more information checkout our web site at www.santarosaconsulting.com or send us an email at contactus@santarosaconsulting.com and we’ll have a healthcare professional contact you.