In this piece, we’ll discuss the importance of proper Erasmus+ management planning, early on in the process.  This will ensure that you get a high evaluation mark and save both time and stress when it comes to the project implementation phase.

Traditional management models stress the development of detailed project plans and the rigorous observation of disciplined models, but effective people management actually relies on five key skills, the Five ‘C’s as below. 

The Five C’s 

Create 

This means build a team which is fit for purpose. Don’t try to use the wrong tool for the job and then complain that the hammer won’t make the screw work! Creating involves making the correct decisions on the following…. 

Comprehend 

Understand the people in your team, their personalities, their motivations and personal goals. A good manager needs to be empathetic, not a slave driver. One person may be a natural completer-finisher, another could be great at concept development. 

Communicate 

It is essential that you can convey your thoughts, concerns and needs to your team. You must be able to motivate them and lead them, tell them when you’re not getting what you need, explain when changes are made and congratulate them when they do something well. 

Collaborate 

A manager is not an island, he/she should be at the heart of the team. Ensure that you share and delegate to get the best results. People respond to being given responsibility, they step up and by allowing them to develop into doing something that previously only you could do yourself, you free yourself up to do something else and add value to the entire process. 

Confront 

People are different, they see things differently and engage with issues differently, and when this happens there is inevitably conflict. This can be overt, where two or more people argue over the best way forwards or, often more dangerously, it may be hidden - when someone disagrees but does not feel empowered to criticise. 

The above five elements Create, Comprehend, Communicate, Collaborate and Confront, form the basis of an effective people-management approach. Whilst each element is important in its own right, they all interrelate with and support the others.