Mastering Fairness in Project Management Decisions

As a project manager you can assign any one of two team members to a highly coveted task. Both are equally capable, but one of them is a member of your in-group. To the other one, you have far more distance. How should you behave?

• A. You disclose the situation to stakeholders and solicit a joint decision.
• B. You take the person not in your in-group to avoid misunderstandings.
• C. Chose the in-group person. The trustful relation will benefit the project.
• D. You delegate the decision to a third team member to avoid the conflict.

Answer: (A)

When managing a project, it is important to maintain fairness and avoid any potential biases. In this scenario, as a project manager, you should disclose the situation to stakeholders and solicit a joint decision. This allows for a transparent process and avoids any potential conflicts of interest or favoritism towards your in-group member. Choosing the person in your in-group may lead to misunderstandings and mistrust within the team. Delegating the decision to a third team member may also not be the most efficient way to handle the situation. It is important to consider all team members equally and make decisions based on their capabilities and qualifications.

As a project manager, you wear many hats. Sometimes, those hats can feel a little heavy, especially when it comes to making decisions that can affect team morale and project outcomes. Picture this scenario: you have a highly coveted task to assign, and you have two equally capable team members vying for it. One is part of your close-knit in-group, while the other is, let’s say, a little farther out on the social spectrum. It throws you into a bit of a moral pickle, doesn’t it? So, what’s the right move here?

Let’s break it down. In the world of project management, maintaining fairness isn’t just about keeping things balanced. It’s about fostering an environment of trust and transparency. Choosing Option A—disclosing the situation to your stakeholders and soliciting their input—screams transparency. It shows you’re not willing to let bias dictate your decisions, even when personal preferences could sway you.

You might wonder, “Why not just give the task to the in-group member?” Sure, it might feel like a safe bet. You know them well, they’ve proven themselves, and there’s an established rapport. But wait a second—would that choice jeopardize the dynamics of the entire team? It could lead to feelings of mistrust among team members. Nobody wants to work under a shadow of favoritism. Trust is like a delicate glass sculpture; once it shatters, it’s a long road to repair.

Now, let’s consider option D—delegating the decision to a third team member. You might think this is a creative workaround, but it often just kicks the can down the road, doesn’t it? Sure, it sidesteps the immediate conflict, but ultimately, it doesn’t address the root of the problem. The key here is not just finding a way out; it's about embedding fairness into the decision-making culture of your project team.

Transparency builds confidence. When you approach stakeholders, asking for their input, you’re not just making a decision; you’re modeling behavior for your team—encouraging them to speak up and acknowledge every member’s skills equally. After all, anyone can do a task well when approached collaboratively.

As you hone your skills as a project manager, ask yourself: How can I refine my decision-making techniques to build an inclusive environment? When you elevate the conversation around decision-making, you not only empower your team but also elevate your project outcomes. So, next time you face a similar crossroads, remember—transparency and fairness are your best allies. They’ll pave the path toward a project that thrives on trust and collaboration.

You know what? Navigating the complexities of team dynamics can be daunting, but with the right strategies, you can turn potential dilemmas into opportunities for growth, both for yourself and your team. Keep questions about fairness at the forefront of your mind, and you’ll lead your projects to success.