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The Reluctant Worker

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Assignment 1: The Reluctant Workers

Carol F. Jackson
Project Mgt
Professor David Kimble

1. Identify and analyze three of the core skills that were at play in the case of the reluctant workers, referencing the ten skills described in Chapter 4.

Based on the dialogue between, Tim Aston and Phil Davies, , it appears that team building skills, leadership skills, and management support building skills were the three core skills that were at play in the case of the reluctant workers. In accordance with the text, the challenge for the project manager consists of attracting the right resources, forming a cohesive team, keeping the team motivated, meeting individual aspirations and getting the work done - all within scope, cost, time, and customer satisfaction (Kerzner, 2009, p.148). He also maintains that, “The project manager must also understand the culture and value system of the organization he is working with” (p.149).

In light of the above, a project manager should be proficient in team building, adept in leadership to include establishing clearly defined goals and program objectives which would promote good interpersonal relations and team spirit (Kerzner, 2009, p.150), and have a good rapport with management.

As management support plays a key role in project success, the suggests states that there are “four key variables that influence the project manager’s ability to create favorable relationships with senior management which includes : 1) ongoing credibility, 2) visibility of his project, 3) priority of his program relative to other organizational undertakings, and 4) his own accessibility” (Kerzner, 2009, p.153). Based on my analysis of the case, Tim Aston has not earned his credibility with management and based on the responses and behavior of Mr. Davies, his program is not of high

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