Dakeem Coleman, USN(Ret), MBA, PMP, ProFM, FMP

Adding a recycle program along with the proper bins also supports waste management. Using battery storage bins to allow customers to throw away used batteries to minimize waste disposal helps the environment and allows customers to see how active your program is. The same applies to plastics as well.

I would like to add the use of vacuums in high traffic and carpeted areas are essential. Also high dusting and the proper equipment to remove dust from surfaces at or above the eye line is essential for cleanliness and the removal of allergens. The last tool I will mention is more for added appeal and appearance of clean surfaces and that is a buffer and accessories. It can never be understated that the look of a shiny, waxed floor makes customers feel comfortable in a space is being well maintained.

I have always believed once your team understands the “why”, your team will show you the “how”. Meaning, once you as the leader provides the big picture to why a change is occurring and you convince them why they need to accept the change, your team will show you and the company how to effectively implement the change by making it their own. I remember telling a young Sailor who didn’t like cleaning up the ship we were on the importance of it (preventing rodents, mold, illness, and hindering operational readiness). This is also why good leaders don’t have to make teams do anything because they will want to do the work.

I would add that any change to scope, schedule, or cost needs to be thoroughly reviewed before any changes are made. Remember, any change to one will 99% of the time affect the other two in this project triangle. Having a good project plan will usually minimize this, but the more complex the plan is likelihood of changes occurring increases. The change process must be carefully considered and implemented effectively. Every change must go through this process and a team formed (PMO) who will make this decisions officially. No change is to happen by word of mouth alone. Lastly, the change process should be documented and referred to by all stakeholders when any consideration for change arises. The project sponsor(s) must do the same.

Do not forget that how to communicate is just as important as what to communicate. Yes, there are the different forms of communication mentioned earlier, but there are other things to consider such as: - Time zones-depending on where the stakeholders, vendors, or projects are may require communications to be handled differently. Maybe certain team members can only be reached at 8am your time because it is 3pm their time. Maybe they’re in a country where they have rolling blackouts and may not have service continuously. Knowing this information on how and when to communicate is essential. What if some stakeholders have specific disabilities (deaf, blind, paralyzed, etc) that limit their forms of communication? Just some things to consider.

As the supervisor, one has to ensure the assignment follows the S.M.A.R.T. Rule: S = Specific M = Measurable A = Attainable R = Relevant T = Timely This principle is typically associated with projects and project management, but an assignment is a project. It has a start and an end. Once S.M.A.R.T. has been established, there needs to be clearly defined pathways for communication (in-person, email, phone, etc) and possibly milestones to be reached to let the assignee they are on the right path to completion and provides insight to the supervisor the assignment is understood and feedback is given and received on how the assignment will continue to be accomplished.