Leading Projects and the Yellow Brick Road

To be a successful project leader, you need a combination of the three attributes sought by Dorothy’s companions in the Wizard of Oz…a brain, a heart and courage.

Much of the research on the art of project leadership focuses on intelligence and commitment. But there is comparatively little written on what the Cowardly Lion thought he lacked—bravery.

An effective project leader needs to be brave.

You have to have the courage to face problems in a straightforward manner and take responsibility for solving them. Problems will arise…you can count on it. The way one handles difficulty and challenge separates successful project leaders from those who will always be followers or not exceed client expectations.

But courage alone is not enough; it must be linked to honesty.

Your project team needs to be able to believe what you say so you need to speak the truth. When times are tough, they have a right to know the reason and how you plan to deal with the situation. Then, too, when the outlook is rosy, your project team deserves to celebrate along with you.