Co-authored with Dmitry Bukhensky
Dmitry Bukhensky stands out as an exceptional Project Manager with over 7 years of expertise in the field. His achievements showcase a remarkable journey marked by successful leadership, strategic thinking, and a passion for embracing technological innovations.
Professional Achievements:
During his years at Kanda Software, Dmitry managed three teams of 40 experts and took on the role of Scrum Master. His outstanding performance earned him the title of the company’s Most Productive Newcomer of the Year.
In just a month, Dmitry orchestrated the setup of a team and process management system, ensuring the successful launch of a new product for the AI startup Gleesent. His adept handling of stakeholder relations facilitated the formulation and approval of strategies for product creation, market entry, and product development for startups ZEROSUM and Entangle Protocol.
The Power of Collaboration in Project Management:
Dmitry places a strong emphasis on collaboration as the heart of effective project management. He believes that fostering teamwork and synergy among diverse team members is crucial for navigating the complexities of projects, leading to enhanced outcomes and a positive work culture.
Navigating Project Management Challenges:
According to Dmitry, successful Project Managers are those who can handle problems with determination. He encourages newcomers to view challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement, considering adaptability as a hallmark of accomplishment in project management.
The Perfect Project Manager:
To Dmitry, the perfect Project Manager is a versatile professional who seamlessly transitions between roles of strategist, tactician, and performer. His top five essential skills for Project Managers include courage, perseverance, responsibility, effective communication, and a commitment to continuous learning.
Motivation in the Workplace:
Shifting focus to motivation in the workplace, Dmitry emphasizes the uniqueness of each individual’s motivational vectors—achievements, power, and social involvement. He categorizes employees based on these vectors and tailors his approach accordingly.
Achievements:
This vector pertains to individuals driven by personal accomplishments. Dmitry notes that around 10% of a team falls into this category, and they thrive on challenging tasks. Continuous engagement with complex projects is crucial to maintaining their motivation.
Power:
Employees motivated by a sense of power, even if their decisions aren’t always correct, comprise another segment. Dmitry suggests redirecting their energy to other projects or providing autonomy in specific areas of work rather than attempting to change them.
Social Involvement:
The majority, about 60-70%, fall into the social involvement vector. These individuals find fulfillment in being part of a social group. While they may not strive for exceptional results, they contribute positively to the team. Dmitry advocates for creating a conducive environment for social interaction, even outside project contexts, to enhance team engagement.
Motivation and Impact:
Dmitry underscores the importance of understanding that motivation is a form of influence. Individual perception varies, so he adopts an approach of asking open-ended questions to discern each employee’s motivational factors. Tailoring interactions based on this understanding contributes to successful team management.
Recognizing and Cultivating Talent: A Strategic Investment
In Dmitry’s vision, a successful Project Manager is not only an efficient taskmaster but also a talent recognizer and cultivator. He encourages a strategic investment in talent, recognizing that understanding and harnessing the unique skills of team members lead to enhanced project outcomes. Dmitry’s approach involves creating an environment where team members feel valued and motivated to contribute their best.
Empathy in Leadership: The Human Touch in Project Management
Recognizing the individual needs and motivations of team members is important, according to Dmitry. His emphasis on empathy in leadership is reflected in his ability to tailor his management style to the unique strengths and challenges of each team member. This not only enhances morale but also contributes to a more productive and harmonious work environment.
Dmitry Bukhensky’s journey in project management unveils a narrative of strategic leadership, effective communication, conflict resolution, and a genuine commitment to the well-being and growth of project teams. As a guide in navigating the human side of project management, Dmitry’s insights serve as a beacon for Project Managers aspiring to create not just successful projects but also thriving, collaborative work environments.
