Project managers can be classified into two groups, based on their mental approach to project situations. One group are the optimists, who believe in the ‘art of the possible’. They always think about what can be done and are always on the part of the solution. These are those capable and highly motivated individuals. Let us call them the optimists. The optimists always focus on ‘what they can do’. They are continuously focusing on the circle of concern. They can trust people. It is great to work with them.
There is another category, who believes in the ‘art of the impossible’. They focus their energies on ‘why things will not work?’ and at the same time do not have any solution of their own. Always they put the blame on the surroundings, and never take responsibility for anything. It is very difficult to work in their teams, as they are the born manipulators. Let us call them the pessimists.
The pessimists always focus on the circle of concern and never on the circle of influence (7 habits of highly effective people – Stephen Covey). Learn from them, what all things you should not do as a manager. Get out of their teams as fast as possible, becuase it is impossible to correct them. Only failures and experience can teach them.
Then we have the fence sitters, who is neither a pessimist nor an optimist. When they are in the company of pessimists, they take a pessimistic stand and when in the company of optimits they take an optimistic stand. When in the company of both pessimits and optimists, they look for the stronger side and switch there. Let us call them fence sitters. Just ignore them.
As a first step, towards the art of the possible, just ban the word ‘BUT’ in your team. Always try to use the word ‘AND’ instead ‘BUT’.
An example of ineffective communication (the pessimist)
We can try it BUT it can be difficult as we are quite used to using the word ‘BUT’. Now we will use the natural rhythm of communication.
The optimist’s view
We will try it ‘AND’ initially it may be difficult as we are used to the word ‘BUT’. We will give it a sincere try. It looks very interesting !
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