What Does A Successful Project Manager Look Like?
Date last updated 2:48 pm Aug 11th, 2008
Project Management has received increased recognition over the years, as more and more businesses appreciate the benefits provided through project management skill and practice. Originally relegated to fields like engineering, aerospace, and construction, project management has expanded across virtually all industries, creating a need for "qualified" project managers.
Project management is shifting its focus; it is no longer just an execution model, it is also a strategic business model. Out of the organizations that already appreciate the value of project management in completing tasks, many have also recently begun to realize project management's critical contributions, from delivering completed projects to being strategic owners who deliver business value.
Yet, in spite of growing project management presence, "accidental" project managers are still the norm, not the exception. Many companies continue to treat projects in a fairly unstructured manner, and as a result, do little to invest in their project managers. Many project managers have little authority or power in their role and the majority of individuals who manage projects typically do so while juggling other job responsibilities.
Organizations must be prepared and willing to invest in project managers to fully realize the benefits of project management. There is no point in instituting a project management methodology without introducing a project management career path. Having one without the other will limit success.
So, why are organizations remiss in supporting the project management role? Many don't know how to describe a good project manager. It's true that a first-rate project manager sounds like a fantastical being - proficient at planning and problem-solving; adept at budgeting; an accomplished negotiator and master influencer who is able to lead, motivate, and communicate. Oh, and a first-rate project manager remains calm during the height of the storm. In other words, this is someone who must be able to handle it all. So many requirements, so few candidates. Organizations must be willing to define project manager requirements and invest in the project manager role to realize business success.
Project managers are expected to perform heroics to successfully execute a company's strategic plan. Individuals must be multi-faceted, have technical know-how and exhibit strong leadership skills, just to name a few requirements. Regardless of credentials a project manager holds, these are the four primary characteristics every project manager must exhibit to be successful:
Enthusiasm: A successful project manager must really want to do the job. He or she must get intense enjoyment from leading a project. If a project manager is not enthusiastic about the project, it's really hard for other team members to get on board.
Endurance: Project managers require high levels of staying power. In the beginning, everything is unclear - the project goal, the project schedule, the project team, the roles and responsibilities. A successful project manager must endure all stages of project management, from project definition through project execution to project closure.
Earnest: Project managers must be sincere and serious in intent. Sincerity will enable project managers to establish a strong coalition among team members, while keeping focused on getting work done. A team's ability to work together will get it through the tough spots.
Efficient: Project managers who work productively with minimum wasted effort with limited resources will always succeed. The best project managers will keep an eye on the target and establish a direct route to get there.
Be thoughtful and precise in assessing the level of project management you need (to support the size, type, and magnitude of your project portfolio) and overlay those requirements with emotional, social, and interpersonal intelligence requirements. You must consider all elements to find the "right" match.