Peopleology

Before you run and get a dictionary, rest assured; I know that peopleology is not a real word (at least not yet). If you ‘Google’ peopleology or people-ology, you will definitely get some hits. And I think you would also get a sense for what peopleology means to me.“OK” you say, “But I don’t wish to go play with a search engine right now. If I do the next thing I know hours will have clicked by and I want a simple answer right now.” That seems like a fair and reasonable request. Perhaps if I use it in a sentence?

“I help people in technology with peopleology, so that at the end of the day technologists are just as comfortable and successful in a room full of people as they are in a room full of computers.”

Let’s take the above sentence and apply it to project managers.

Each of us has a component of our job that requires subject matter expertise. If you are a project manager, it is very likely that you understand the type of work that your team is undertaking and you contribute your skill and expertise in running the actual project.

Project management is an art and a science. Developing strong and accurate estimating models is largely science. Creating an accurate project schedule is largely a science. Using earned value management another science.

Communicating the status of your project in the appropriate way at the appropriate time can be an art. Leading the project kick off meeting in such a way that you clearly illustrate the vision of your project and everyone leaves understanding how your project supports the strategic plans of your company is an art.

When I think of the art of project management, I think of the leadership skills required to motivate a team toward a common goal. I think of what it takes to build a strong cohesive high performing team. And when I think of these things, I am not thinking about leading through fear and intimidation. I am thinking of leading through peopleology. To me peopleology in leadership is the ability to make people WANT to do the work and to WANT to work with you. And why do they WANT to work with you? Because you care about them as human beings and you develop sincere relationships with them. You take the time to get to know them and learn what makes them tick. When you make a mistake you are not afraid to admit it. You are also not afraid to apologize. Building strong working relationships through respect, compassion and integrity, now that’s peopleology!

You do need to draw from the art and the science of project management. You wouldn’t want to hire a project manager with superior interpersonal skills and no understanding of the critical path.

But the project manager who is really good at creating and maintaining schedules and is a genius at numbers, but never leaves his or her office and does not practice peopleology, is likely to remain stuck. The project manager who masters the science and the peopleology is going places.

Peopleology. Noun. 1. The study of developing our human side at work
2. The belief that it takes more than technical skills to get ahead
3. The ability to develop bonds with co-workers that are based on respect, integrity and compassion. Treating others as they wish to be treated.

What do you think? Are you ready to study and apply peopleology?

A constant throughout her career has been her strong communication skills and a passion to see other people at their best. Her work as a business coach to Information Technology professionals truly is her ‘Joy in The Job’.

Learn more about Margaret at Meloni Coaching Solutions.