International Roundup, Vol 18, No 1

Be sure, The importance of confidence in project management

Jan Sandabacka

Abstract

Beliefs have a strong physiological impact on the human behavior. They have a self-fulfilling prophecy effect. People’s beliefs usually come true, because they act as if those beliefs would be true. Thus, it helps them to reach their goals. Right beliefs are important in the project management. It is especially important that project managers believe in their projects and their teams. Project managers set the goals of the project and have a strong influence on the team spirit and attitude. They guide the team in daily problem-solving situations. The confidence in the project - or the lack of it - plays an important role in all of these activities, and in many cases it makes the difference between the success and the failure.

Acting confident is not enough. If project managers are not confident enough, they must seek the confidence by evaluating the project risk and success factors, finding motivation for the project, and seek support from team members and stakeholders. A portion of autosuggestion is needed, also.

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