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Should a project manager be able to shift temporal orientation from past, to present, to future?

a) No, focusing on the present is sufficient for project management.
b) Yes, but only between past and future orientations.
c) Yes, the ability to shift among past, present, and future orientations is crucial.
d) It depends on the type of project being managed.

User Mehowthe
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Final answer:

The correct answer is C. Project management requires the ability to shift among past, present, and future orientations to effectively analyze, manage, and plan a project's multiple phases while maintaining team alignment and driving success. Project managers must be transparent and flexible in their approach to balance these temporal outlooks.

Step-by-step explanation:

Project management requires a dynamic approach where the project manager must be adept at analyzing past performance, managing current work, and planning for the future. A project manager's work style can greatly influence their effectiveness in this role. Managers may have different approaches such as being collaborative, detail oriented, or creative, but the key is maintaining flexibility to switch temporal orientations when necessary. Insights from understanding past outcomes can inform better decision making in the present and proactive planning for future project phases.

For instance, lessons learned from past errors can lead to improved processes now, thus reducing risks moving forward. Regarding team dynamics, project managers also need to be transparent with their team, sharing relevant information to maintain alignment and drive collective success. A manager's efficiency and weakest points can often be identified by how well they balance these temporal aspects, and this can affect how the team views their leadership.

User Quasimodo
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