What is one of the most critical aspects of event management?

There are various aspects that can make or break an event, and I am sure it is difficult - if not impossible - to single out a single one that can be deemed to be 'the holy grail' of event management.  I do believe though that there is one factor that is vital throughout any event management project:

People Management

I have worked with many people at all levels and had various experiences. Some people have brought out the best in me, whilst others not.

I do believe however that one's leadership and management style depends on the circumstances of the event. The more time one has for instance, the gentler one can involve, coach and empower ones team. The transverse of course is that one basically has to instruct and then empower as operations commence.

I firmly believe my own personal philosophy of the 4C's: Consult, Confirm, Communicate and Congratulate. If one follows this philosophy with all stakeholders at all times, chances are that all of your preparations are approved and understood, your operations flow smoothly and you can congratulate all involved stakeholders throughout and at the end after successful delivery. This applies to one's loved ones, team, peers, suppliers and superiors.

We need all of them to succeed.

I will never forget the story of President JFK when he paid a visit to Cape Canaveral on 16 November 1963 http://www.jfklibrary.org/Asset-Viewer/DofXnSo8bU2h1xrpwX50dQ.aspx.

He was taken on a tour of the facility with the media in tow. Everyone was trying to impress him and gain the media's attention. JFK was then taken to the launch pad where all the action really took place.  When they arrived and disembarked from their vehicles - media close at hand - JFK was briefed on all the intricacies of the launch operations.  JFK then spotted a labourer sweeping under the launch pad. Thinking it would be good PR to speak to the 'common' people, he walked over to the sweeper, extended his hand and introduced himself.

Not expecting much except to make small talk, JFK asked the sweeper what his role was at NASA.  The sweeper shook JFK's hand, held his gaze and replied confidently that he was 'part of a team to put a man on the moon!'  JFK was visibly taken aback by the response, but clearly pleased and humbled.

So what is the moral of the story?  We must empower every member of our team to believe and act like they are a manager of their own function, that they are not just an administrative assistant or a logistics coordinator, but a part of the team to make this event a success!

A lasting tribute to any manager / leader is to enable their 'launch pad sweepers' to create more of the same. Have you created any 'launch pad sweepers' lately?

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