Collective Wisdom from the Experts 121
The overall participation and contribution to the project results from each
group is measured by the collective sets of activities the group’s members com-
plete. Whereas individual responsibilities may be shown in a responsibility
matrix, a joint vision of the activities and overall responsibilities of each group
participating in the project is necessary as well.
In every project, there are diversities involved, nowhere more obviously than in
software development projects. Teamwork depends on two key principles that
need to coexist and work together to allow success: delegation and responsibility.
Delegation should follow the pattern documented in the project’s work break-
down structure. Split the work to be done. Then split the assignments to get
the work done accordingly. This is the only viable way for human beings to
understand, execute, and manage really big projects.
To delegate you need to take into consideration the adequate combination of
technical and managerial competencies required for each task. Once you’ve
delegated, do not interfere. As the software project manager, you are needed
to monitor, give support, and ask about results. In doing so, you will provide
motivation, earn respect, and foster team member “response-ability.”
“Response-ability” includes taking full responsibility. Remember this when
delegating, as well as when accepting assignments. Match the person’s skills
and abilities to the task.
Once leadership, delegation, and responsibility are in place, each supports the
other. Better results are almost guaranteed. And this leads to project success.