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Module 6 Reflection Paper

OGL 324

Amanda Piotrowski

11/24/2021

The success of Project Management is never just one factor. There is so much to consider

that contributes, and I know that I am pursuing the right career when I grow excited to learn

something new that adds to that success. However, as I go deeper into my project management

classes, I realize how easy it can be to make mistakes and how project management as a career is

a fairly new development. Knowing that it is one of the newer and more needed professions,

there is going to be more and more techniques and tools that develop over time that can

contribute to this careers ease of success.

In the last few modules, we went over acquiring resources, developing/managing a team,

and controlling resources. A lot of what went into these topics were easy for me to relate to, on a

much smaller scale, at my current job as a Shift Supervisor at Starbucks. At least in the

controlling resources standpoint. I think a lot of these topics I mostly picture in construction

projects. I do feel kind of confused on how to acquire extra resources on a project that is not

within the organization’s internal resources? I guess I just did not realize how much negotiation

goes into the resource’s view of projects. I knew interpersonal skills are a big part of being a

good project manager as it is important to have the ability to work with a wide range of people

and personalities, but before this chapter, I had not realized it is also important when it comes to

being able to negotiate in order to give the project what it needs to be successful. I feel like in
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today’s world with the pandemic and the more frequent use of virtual communication, this can be

a challenge. I hope I can develop a skillset for virtual connection with my future co-workers,

peers, and team members that will allow for the same understanding and need to have a

successful project. I have read a few blogs in ways to boost virtual team connections, so

hopefully those tips can come in handy.

Developing a team is something that I am familiar with, I understand the importance and

the impact of having a strong team. The project manager needs to be able to build, lead, inspire,

and motivate the team. In Starbucks, this is something that the company thrives at. We all work

together, help each other, and truly work as a group. If something is lacking, it is obvious. I have

had off days myself when I have made mistakes and the flow on the floor is all wrong which

then is creating a stressful atmosphere for everyone. It is important for our management team of

shift supervisors, assistant store managers, and general store managers to all be in

communication and collaborating to create a healthy work environment that promotes trust,

teamwork, and support for the baristas and the rest of store. Support has been what we have been

focusing on lately, with increased business its important to me that my team feels the support

needed to provide the standard company experience to our customers. When everyone is

stressed, it shows, and it reflects the leadership. It can be busy but not be stressful. Its about

understanding the skillsets of individuals, communicating with each-other, and attitude. I think

attitude can definitely impact the development of a team. The project manager will set that vibe,

it needs to be positive, creating the collaborative culture that allows the team to work together

smoothly.

The current module was about controlling resources, and that is something that I do

everyday at my Starbucks job, to some degree. Shift Supervisors are in charge of the daily order
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of product, and also the weekly order product. The daily order consists of things like cups, lids,

food, some beverage syrups, milks, espresso, cold brew, and our medium roast coffee. The

weekly order consists of things we may use less frequently for the store like toilet paper, pastry

bags, cup sleeves, gift cards, random tools or supplies that need replacing, etc. Controlling these

resources with several other shifts comes with its challenges, but with great communication

everything usually works itself out. We have a work group chat we post in about any updates or

shortages on products, which thanks to covid there have been many. The communication not

only helps with us all staying in the loop but also that everyone is doing their best and if we are

short a certain product to not assume it is a team members fault. We focus heavy on the

assuming positive intentions. On the days where we have had communication issues regarding

these resources, it can be frustrating to have too much product that doesn’t fit in storage or trying

to find a space for it. But also frustrating to run out and have to call other stores to see if we can

borrow from them. However, when we borrow product, we are also losing labor on having to

send someone to go retrieve the product, and the numbers can be off for how much of that

product we actually used for the day if not added into the system. The pars for what we order

have to be adjusted seasonally so we can order the proper amount and be prepared. I understand

how these soft skills of being able to negotiate would fall into this part of project management.

Overall, I have learned a lot in this class and am inspired to practice techniques in my

current job setting. I look forward to learning more.