This paper raises the question whether project managers can manage psychological phenomena of groups in the project management process so that related risks can be minimized. The Generic Management approach serves as framework for this analysis. From the current literature on project management a standard process for handling project work and the possibilities for steering mechanisms in projects are derived and analysed. Likewise, the status quo of group psychological phenomena is analyzed. The findings are summed up in recommendations for project managers to raise awareness regarding group psychological phenomena during the project management process. Though, the formative project characteristics (time, result and cost pressures) favor the emergence of patterns of thought and thus innovation, which is sought in projects, is inhibited. The investigation of a case study, a series of projects on the organizational development of ÖBB-Personenverkehr AG (Austrian federal railways passenger transport), confirmed that homogeneous, bounded teams provide evidence for group psychological phenomena under intense pressure for results. For this particular case, it is concluded that project managers need to focus on knowledge management in the team as well as the exchange with their environment and should absorb the pressure that is exerted on the project team. Analyzing the success factors in the case study it can be concluded that the human aspects were less emphasised compared to the other aspects. Finally, a target concept illustrates that thoughtful project managers can handle group psychological phenomena actively throughout the project management process. Therefore, for the project phases ascertainment of ideas, project definition, project planning, project execution/control and project completion recommendations for risk management in the context of group psychological phenomena are developed for project managers. This paper comes to the conclusion that project management that steers group psychological phenomena actively is trend-setting. Project managers who have the relevant project management know-how, understand the handling of group psychological phenomena and combine those skills in an agile manner according to the current situation, are the essential support of adaptable enterprises in terms of the Generic-Management approach.