DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BECOME A GREAT PROJECT MANAGER?

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BECOME A GREAT PROJECT MANAGER?

Going through my first project management class I have observed what skills are needed are need to be a great project manager. This class has created a snapshot from practice that has led to a wonderful experience in the field. Experience is everything and is the greatest teacher I believe. This class was organized to help students understand the competitive positions of an organization, develop the ability to understand and formulate solutions.

As stated from an article that was published in PM Network magazine some things have not changed, of course. I still contend that common threads are woven into the personalities of successful project managers:

  • Love of their work … and embracing the challenges
  • Clear vision … and communicating this vision
  • Strong team building skills … and setting positive tones
  • Structure and alignment … creating the environment and direction
  • Strong interpersonal skills … listening to and leading their teams
  • Discipline … completing each phase of the project properly
  • Communication skills…knowing when and to whom to communicate
  • These threads go by various nomenclatures — “enthusiastic, optimistic, self-controlled, direct, team builders,” but the fabric is the same.

 

My top four personalities to become a great project manager are….

1. Show their worth

“Project management is a science and not just a practice. Best in class’ project managers lead companies to exceptional performance, they benchmark their processes through various means.

  1. Understand business strategy

You can’t live forever in your project management bubble. Project managers must be able to see how their projects fit into their organizational strategy.

  1. Overcome hurdles

Companies continue to look for project managers who can meet timelines and stick to budgets – even when not everything goes to plan, flexibility is key as a project manager. Listening to clients and outperforming their expectations is the goal!

  1. Improve team performance

The growing importance of “lean teams” is increasing demand for project managers who can help optimize accomplishments.

Companies continue to look for project managers who can deliver results on time and on budget. But today’s business environment demands more. Show hiring managers you outperform other project managers, and you have a great shot at making a lasting impression.

http://www.pmsolutions.com/resources/view/what-makes-a-good-project-manager1/

By Kenneth White

 

 

 

2 thoughts on “DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BECOME A GREAT PROJECT MANAGER?

  1. Kenny, your post had some interesting points that I uncovered during my interview with a project manager. When I was working with Kevin, he mentioned that meeting deadlines and sticking to budgets were the two more difficult tasks he found in his role as a Project manager. On the other hand, however, Kevin expressed that getting to work with his clients and outperforming their expectations were some of the better feelings he encountered. Kevin also mentioned thats a sure way to get recognized.

  2. Thank you for this insightful post Kenny. I definitely agree with personality traits of a project manager which you have laid out here. I especially like how much this focuses on the team dynamic and not just the manager’s worth as this is probably the most crucial element there is to a project’s success. Very nicely done!

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