When you are in the medical device space, there is a level of competence and intelligence that you expect from every member of your team. The fact that your team has the ability to design, manufacture, and put a product through FDA testing means they are above average intelligence and capability.
With that said, we also know there are some people who excel even among this rarified air. These are people who are smarter and more clever than the rest of us. They see through to a solution immediately while the rest of us have to work through problems and conundrums to achieve a solution.
When it comes to project management, caution is advised with superstars. Working on a project is a team effort; not one shining star with a supporting cast. Any exceptional talent who works on a team must be able to play well with others, be held to the same standards as each member of the team, and be willing, and even eager, to have their solutions challenged.
Superstar Project managers, good or bad
Some superstars do not play well with others. And it can be dangerous to have them on your project. You might think you can’t live without them, that they are too important. Their genius tempts you to think they are the only one who knows – or has the capacity to learn certain technical details. Worse yet, perhaps the superstar is favored by management.
Superstars can be solid contributors or they can be a cancer. And if you have a superstar who does not play well with others you must get rid of them immediately. Do not put it off as it can destroy your team and derail your project. It may be one of the hardest decisions you’ll make, and there will no doubt be consequences… but it’s the best plan.
We can help, contact the Waddell Group
We know how to lead critical projects from start to finish. We provide strategic level project leaders for the medical device industry. Beyond essential project management skills, our highly experienced consultants know how to lead teams, manage in times of crisis, and influence change. We offer expertise other firms can’t. Contact us today at 952.221.3333