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4.4.2.2 Providing “Air Cover” to Your Team - Coggle Diagram
4.4.2.2 Providing “Air Cover” to Your Team
What is Air Cover?
Definition
Support and protection for the team from out-of-scope requests or criticism from leadership.
Stakeholder management
Balancing the needs of stakeholders with the team’s capacity to ensure project success.
Trust
Requires a strong relationship with stakeholders to gain their confidence in your leadership.
Risk
Air cover involves risk; failure to meet goals after pushing back could harm stakeholder trust.
A Case Study for Providing Air Cover - Saying “No” Without Explicitly Saying “No”
Polite pushback
Explain why the request is not feasible within the current scope, timeline, or cost constraints.
Delay response
Request time to evaluate the request and consult with team members to understand its impact.
Offer alternatives
Propose solutions like adjusting the timeline or involving other teams to handle additional tasks.
Example
Suggest launching the fourth coffee flavor in a later product lineup or delaying the current launch.
Intervening From Behind the Scenes
Selective consultation
Involve only key team members to brainstorm solutions without burdening the entire team.
Discreet management
Shield the team from unrealistic requests or critiques to maintain focus and morale.
Example
Propose adding the new coffee flavor to a future launch rather than overwhelming the team now.
Key Takeaway
Balancing needs
Providing air cover requires balancing stakeholder demands with the team’s capacity.
Skill development
With experience, project managers develop the skills to handle nuanced situations and protect their teams effectively.