3 tips to be efficient in transversal management

People often says that it's difficult to be a transversal manager as you don't have authority over people you work with. After years of project & programme management, I believe in those thee keys to be efficient - and even transformative - in transversal management

People around me receive 200 emails a day, most of them coming from a "ping-pong" exchange. A polite email with usual politeness formula such as "Dear John", "please", "thank you" and "best regards"... is always better than an email with no politeness formula.

When you pop in an office, say "hello" and enquire about the family life or the latest sport event of your colleague: it will set him or her in a better mood than questionning directly about your project status. We're all humans so better act as... humans!

We all contribute to many complex projects. When the process is long and complex, people don't always know the outcome of their work. Understanding why an administrative task is important will certainly not make it easier but more acceptable.

It's even more important when in a transversal management position as people may see you as an additionnal task to be done. In the same spirit, provide feedback afterwards so that people know that their work had an impact.

Too often, I see people requesting a task or a documentation from people with no clear instruction. As a transversal manager, it is your duty to make it simple for your colleague.

If you need a document, you should provide a pre-filled template. It might take you more time to initiate it but it will reduce the number of iterations and you will - for sure - save time and money. As an example, in a collaborative research project, you should highlight which paragraph should be filled in by whom. In that case, a massive document becomes easier to get prepared and you will save time and cost significantly.

Always ask yourself : Do I provide added value to my colleagues?.

One simple trick is to solve their problems or their irritants. By reducing their problems or irritants and taking into considerations that their time is limited and valuable, you will give them the will to work with you.

It's even the path to a successfull transformative project !

And you, what are your favorite tips to be efficient in transversal management?