Q: What does it mean to manage/regulate yourself (self-regulate) and others? How does it bring you towards goals? How important is communication in this process and what helps/impedes it?
www.pmi.org defines a Project Management Professional (PMP) as one who is “responsible for all aspects of the project for the life of the project” as well one who “demonstrate sufficient knowledge and experience to apply a methodology to projects.” This applies as appropriately to an instructional design team as it does to many other types of project management.
A critical aspect of a successful group, though, is the ability for each individual to be able to self-regulate. Communication is the essential element that can make or break a successful team. Agreeing on the type of communication – synchronous vs. asynchronous, for example – is a basic building block to success. Adhering to acceptable standards, in email communication, for instance, succinctly stating your request or instruction in the subject line allows everyone to communicate efficiently and effectively.
Checking for understanding, though, has to be one of the most critical aspects of communication, which affects a successful outcome. This is especially important in the instructional design process when working with a client that doesn’t necessarily know what they want. Often times it’s easier for a client to tell you what they don’t want and it becomes a process of elimination.
I agree that communication is the big key in teamwork. From there, I think self-regulation becomes somewhat individualistic after tasks are divided within groups. A good project managers are also those who are able to motivate the team.