Digital project managers walk the line between servant and leader caring equally about numbers and people. It's a challenge that requires much thought and consideration in the way we behave. While we are not managers with direct reports we work hard to build relationships with our team members to serve as confidants, councilors, and friends who have their work and best interest in mind at all times. At the same time we challenge bullshit when we see it, stand up for our clients and our teams when it's easier to stay quiet, speak up and save our projects, and work damn hard to keep our teams motivated, our clients happy, and our projects on target.

In this episode of Sprints & Milestones, Brett and Greg explore what it means to be a “loveable hardass” and how difficult that can actually be. Some topics and scenarios discussed include:

• Does the PM have to be the B.A. Baracus of their project team?
• Will you ever succeed in leading teams if you play the role of “the enforcer”?
• Building trust and good relationships on projects
• Setting expectations for how teams work together
• The “Trust Battery” and mutua work agreements
• Safe words for teams