Interestng that everyone took this to mean at the END of the project and really that is a different can of worms. An interesting blog dealing with aprreciation at the END of a project that I’m gonna post on is under “Strappy Sundresses and Thongs” I loved loved that post and my own comments on what is great at the end of a project are going to be there. The thought for me is much more about day to day appreciation given each other during a project. This is the kind of “feeding” that keeps people alive and interested in their profession. The kind of thing I did constantly to keep a project together. That positive feedback buzz. I think demanding that kind of respect and appreciation ongoing is a must and it is interesting to me that I only figured that out how to even begin to approach it when in a line management role and not a project management role. Part of it is that as a line manager we are in a better position to directly ask for it from people however, I think it may even be more important for project managers as they get so little and consequently burn out so fast. If one is afraid of being called an “appreciation whore” my thought is hmm… maybe that is a good place to go then Yes, go where you are afraid! If we as project managers are so afraid of asking for appreciation that phase somehow jumps to mind, then maybe it is a real problem like I thought. I think it is humorous to even think of classify most of the project managers appreciation whoring… never seen one of those as a project manager anyway.. that is kinda like having someone afraid of heights become a pilot but I guess it could happen. Project managers have to be the most unappreciated species out there and everyone knows it. Everyone thinks they can do it and noone typcically appreciates it. Anyways, one way of getting a bit of appreciation is to DIRECTLY ASK FOR IT. What a concept! It actually worked for me after the usual angst and goof ups. Now my caveate is I didn’t do this as a project manager, I didn’t have the guts or was too afraid of being anything less than a gladiator who never thought of herself when I was a project manager. Yes, go where you are afraid! Get your appreciation! Try asking for it in the day to day work! Maybe you will last longer as an actual project manager. Let me know Good luck

* from management: the occasional “attaboy”… maybe it’s a bit too old boy, but one of the best I remember is a dinner and cigars and cognac with the “boss.”

* from team: I get the best feeling when they ask to work with me again.

* from me: I like a nice hot Japanese style bath (ofuro) and think about the accomplishments.

* from other stakeholders: Maybe the most satisfying was the time when a customer came up to me after a pretty grueling project, shook my hand, and said, “I didn’t like you at first, and I’m not sure I like you now, but I respect that you tell the truth and I’m looking forward to working with you again.”

that made me blush.

alan

One caution: Approval whores shouldn’t be project managers because it’s usually not possible to please everyone AND achieve the goals of the project. – Kimberly