Good project managers are “cluefull” rather than clueless

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the some of the more common behavioral missteps technology leaders make when managing projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a comparative method based on Gualtieri's observations of the mistakes chief information officers make in managing application development projects, the paper contextualizes and expands these observations to apply to the digital library project environment.

Findings

The behavioral tactics of digital library project leaders can be either positive or negative influences on a project team with negative behaviors often leading to project managers being labeled as “clueless.” By being aware of the implications and impact of behaviors that can be viewed negatively, the project leader can avoid engaging in those behaviors and be more effective in their role.

Originality/value

This paper fills a gap in the digital library project management literature by exploring issues related to the behavioral characteristics of digital project leaders. As such, it provides some practical guidelines for the practitioner to use when engaged in project management.

Citation

Cervone, H.F. (2008), "Good project managers are “cluefull” rather than clueless", OCLC Systems & Services: International digital library perspectives, Vol. 24 No. 4, pp. 199-203. https://doi.org/10.1108/10650750810914201