Enlist your resources. It's not necessary for the project manager to do everything. Find items that can be offloaded to team members. If a team member is looking to move into a management role, introduce him to some of the activities and become a mentor.

Call on your management. You are not alone. When there is trouble with resource availability or productivity, or if you need help escalating issues or obtaining approvals, involve your management. This allows you to remain focused on the project without stepping on any political toes.

Announce achievements. Become the mini marketing department for the team and project. Recognizing the accomplishments of team members in front of the business stakeholders will encourage them to continue striving for success and will highlight the value of the team for everyone.

These practical steps will keep you from going berserk and running screaming from your cube. It may even persuade the business people to leave the blue paint and bagpipes at home.

Cutting is a certified project management professional at Keane Inc. Contact him at Thomas_E_Cutting@Keane.com.