Complaint - against a project manager?

Question

Recently a project manager was very critical of our team's work. He cited it as a chronic problem. Deadlines are very aggressive we always work significant overtime without getting paid. Issues come up in our work but unintentionally.
He was particularly insulting in front other teams who respect me. I found that offensive and humiliating. His rant was prepared & started as soon as I joined the meeting. It was directed at my boss regarding my work. I felt insulted as this issue was due to project scope change at the last moment. My boss, accepted the blame and I left the meeting halfway. Later my boss called me to say that he agreed that PM was overreacting and that the problem was not critical in nature. I felt that my boss is spineless and accepted blame just to be in good books of PM. We are consulting company at this client. The PM is from another vendor. How to proceed? Complain to PMs boss? Look for another job? Start looking but complain anyway? or just shut up?

Answer 1

This PM was wrong to humiliate you and your team in public, but don't complain. (That's for little girls.) Instead try to learn and grow from the experience. Here's what I mean:



Even though the PM was a jerk, he might have had some valid points. Your boss sounds like a good guy. Talk with him about this, and discuss whether the PM's rant showed you any areas where you could do better next time. There are real, practical ways to deal with scope changes and with project risks. See if you can get your company to send you to a good project management course. If you're in the NYC area I recommend http://www.knowledgemovers.com



Otherwise find your local Project Management Institute chapter. PMI's a great way to learn about managing projects effectively and to meet others in the field. Many chapters can even match you with a project management mentor.

Answer 2

Look for guidance from the PM. Remember, the PM is the one in charge of the project and is responsible for its success or failure.



If the deadlines are truly agressive, then bring this up during your conversation with the PM. You will also want to mention that changing the project scope at the last minute will effect how the project moves forward because everyone on the team will need to re-group to change how and what each member of the team is doing.



The project manager needs to communicate with each of the teams and team members as to what is expected and when it is expected. Without this communication, teams and team members have no way of knowing what is priority and what is turning into critical path.



Communication is the key here, on both sides.

Answer 3

I would talk to the PM and ask him to begin to communicate to you in a different manner. If he is creating a "hostile environment" where you even considering quitting then you need to take action. Document the conversation and if it does not stop a meeting between all concerned the PM, 2 bosses, and you need to take place to get all the issues hashed out.