Human agency is the ability of individuals to make their own choices and act independently. It reflects a capacity and tendency to make intentional choices and to initiate actions based on these choices. Human agency highlights people’s role in shaping their own lives, rather than just being influenced by external factors. This includes reflecting on actions, making decisions, and taking responsibility for them.

In fuzzy projects, promoting human agency means giving team members the power to make decisions and take initiative. When people feel empowered, they become more proactive in solving problems, preventing small issues from growing into bigger challenges.

Empowered team members are more likely to engage with stakeholders to clarify requirements and manage expectations (which ARE requirements, according to PMI), ensuring that project outcomes and deliverables are aligned with the intended goals. This engagement leads to a deeper understanding of stakeholder needs, which helps the project adapt to changes more effectively.

In addition, allowing human agency in projects can boost morale and productivity. Autonomy in decision-making has been shown to increase job satisfaction which, in turn, can lead to higher productivity. An empowered project environment can also lead to better retention of team members, reducing the turnover that can disrupt project continuity.

Lastly, when team members exercise agency, earlier identification of potential risks is more likely. Individuals who feel empowered tend to be more vigilant, suggesting strategies to mitigate risks before the need to escalate. Human agency equips teams are to handle challenges as they arise, preventing minor issues from growing into major obstacles that could derail the project.

Giving team members more control in today’s fuzzy projects helps them meet goals by improving engagement, resulting in higher-quality results. When individuals are empowered to take initiative and make decisions regarding project outcomes, they become more motivated and effective. This leads to better performance and creates a flexible, resilient team that can handle tough project challenges.

Empowered people drive success—ownership leads to action!