Star Factor

When you arrive at a new project, write down the names of the superstars. There will be 10-20% of the team are the high producers. You can identify them as the motivated participants that everyone talks to and works to gain their approval. Write down these names and watch the progress, growth and enthusiasm of these key stake holders. These are the stars of your project.

During your monthly review of stakeholder management, rank each of these stakeholders on their participation, motivation, energy and willingness to help work through the current issues. The rest of the team will find these people (stars) easy to work with and motivating. If you have a really good core team of stars you will appear to be the best project manager in the world.

Although it is expected to have some churn during a project. Keep a close eye on the stars. If at any time you find that a star is gone replace them immediately. You need to have someone other than yourself to carry the load. Make it your personal mission to identify and nurture these stars.

If you suddenly find that you are the only one left, your project is probably already dead.