Identify something at your job that you think could benefit from making a change. In your initial post, describe the current state and develop a proposed strategy for addressing it through the four frames. Be specific, this could be something specific to your role, your team, or your organization as it relates to changes in industry.
One area at my job that I believe could benefit from making a change is the current project management process. As a project manager in a software development company, I have observed several inefficiencies and challenges in our current approach. In order to address these challenges, I propose a strategy for improving the project management process using Bolman and Deal’s four frames: the structural frame, the human resource frame, the political frame, and the symbolic frame.
In the structural frame, the current state of our project management process is characterized by a hierarchical structure with top-down decision making and clear divisions of labor. However, this structure often leads to delays in decision-making and a lack of flexibility in adapting to changes in the industry. The proposed strategy for addressing this is to introduce a more agile project management approach. This would involve empowering project teams to make decisions and encouraging collaboration and communication among team members. By adopting agile principles, such as iterative planning and continuous improvement, we can increase efficiency and responsiveness in our project management process.
In the human resource frame, the current state is marked by a lack of focus on employee development and well-being. Employee burnout and turnover are frequently observed, which negatively impacts project outcomes and team morale. To address this, the proposed strategy is to implement a talent development program. This program would provide opportunities for skill enhancement, career advancement, and work-life balance. Investing in employee growth and well-being will not only improve individual performance but also foster a positive and motivated work environment, leading to better project outcomes.
In the political frame, the current state is characterized by power struggles and competing interests among different stakeholders. Decision-making is often influenced by political and personal motivations rather than the best interest of the project. To address this, the proposed strategy is to establish a project governance structure. This structure would define clear roles and responsibilities for stakeholders and establish transparent decision-making processes. By minimizing political influences and promoting accountability, we can ensure that project decisions are made in the best interest of achieving project goals.
In the symbolic frame, the current state lacks a strong sense of organizational culture and shared values. This can lead to a lack of cohesion and motivation among team members. The proposed strategy to address this is to develop a strong organizational culture focused on innovation and collaboration. This could be achieved through regular team-building activities, fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, and recognizing and celebrating individual and team achievements. By creating a strong sense of identity and purpose, we can enhance team cohesion and motivation, leading to improved project outcomes.
In conclusion, the project management process at my job can benefit from making a change. By employing Bolman and Deal’s four frames approach, I have proposed a strategy that addresses the challenges faced in the current state. This includes adopting an agile approach in the structural frame, implementing a talent development program in the human resource frame, establishing a project governance structure in the political frame, and developing a strong organizational culture in the symbolic frame. These changes have the potential to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and overall success of our project management process.