Lt Cdr Zeeshan Khan

As a Marine Engineer with 13 years of expertise in vessel construction and the latest shipbuilding technologies, including virtual alignment techniques, simulating ballast weights, and translating prototype features to actual models, I stay abreast of new research and insights shared on social media to enhance the maintenance and upkeep of dynamic marine technologies. The connections I make and the online events I attend are invaluable in keeping pace with the ever-evolving technological landscape. Therefore, it is crucial to connect with professionals in the marine industry and embrace new advancements in marine engineering to drive innovation and excellence.

There is no better way to ensure project success than fostering collaboration. Collaboration acts like the common thread in a necklace, bringing together the finest gems to create a masterpiece. Imagine having a team with all the necessary skills, budget, resources, and time, but lacking collaboration. Such a scenario is unlikely to yield the best outcome for the project. Therefore, a project manager must delve into the psychological needs of team members to identify ways to unite them and promote cohesive work. Remember, just as a punch is ineffective unless all fingers of a fist are joined together, a project’s success hinges on the collaborative efforts of its team members.

Organizations should prioritize skill development for their employees, ensuring that those struggling to keep pace with project demands receive guidance from subject matter experts or trainers to develop necessary skills. With the constantly evolving skill requirements across different projects, team members often need to brush up on existing skills or learn new ones. The concept of "learn, unlearn, and relearn" is crucial, as what you learn in one project may not be relevant in another. Therefore, it's essential to provide resources for continuous skill enhancement. This can be achieved by offering free memberships to online learning platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and Upgrad, or by organizing training sessions within the organization.

I believe that recognizing hard work publicly is crucial for team morale and project success. According to best project management principles, acknowledging valuable inputs and achievements fosters strong relationships, motivates the team, and sets a positive example for others. This recognition not only boosts team efficiency but also encourages a culture of continuous improvement. Adhering to the principle of "Praise in public and point out in private" is essential. While public recognition is important, addressing mistakes should always be done privately to maintain respect and trust within the team.

Clear communication is essential to hitting project targets accurately on the first attempt. According to PMI’s best principles of project management, effective communication should be both one-way and two-way. A project manager should regularly conduct sessions to gather inputs and suggestions from the team on the best possible solutions to given problems. This practice not only enhances team involvement but also positively influences the project outcomes. Clear communication is crucial in reducing misunderstandings and resource wastage, ensuring that all team members are aligned and working efficiently towards the project's goals.

Whenever starting a project, it is crucial to select a team with a proven set of skills and relevant expertise. These capabilities can be assessed through behavioral questions and evaluating past project experiences. Once the project team is finalized, the project manager must cultivate a high level of trust among team members and extend trust to them, unless proven otherwise. If a team member struggles to maintain the trust relationship, the project manager should provide opportunities for improvement. Ultimately, the project manager's ability to foster a positive culture plays a pivotal role in building a trustworthy and cohesive team. This approach ensures a solid foundation for the project's success.