Project managers are taskmasters and strategic leaders responsible for an organization’s success. They are the central cog in running a business from initial ideation to process completion. With an organization’s limited resources, a project manager has to organize, control, and plan the project.
Victor Allen and Ron May explain the dynamic nature of this role in further detail in their book, Mastering Project Management: A Guide for Leading. In this comprehensive guide, industry veteran authors have shared practical tips that proved beneficial for them in their professional journey, equipping readers with the knowledge and skills necessary for their own success.
Every project manager has a unique role in a company; however, all their responsibilities and expertise boil down to five major characteristics that we will be discussing in this blog.
1. Communicating
A project manager’s job is to effectively communicate by dedicating a significant amount of time to communicating with stakeholders, team members, and vendors. This involves writing clear emails, holding status meetings, and providing project updates.
Managing expectations is a crucial part of communication. Project managers need to acknowledge and address scope and budget creep and communicate the change management process to stakeholders. This helps everyone understand the projects on a deeper level and reduces the chances of any misunderstandings.
2. Leading
Leadership skills are essential qualities of successful project managers. They supervise their teams throughout the project’s lifecycle, providing them with a clear vision, setting goals, and encouraging team members to accomplish them.
A great project manager is one who works with optimism and enthusiasm. Moreover, they always aim to foster a positive environment where team members are encouraged to speak their minds and share their ideas and feedback on the leadership. A servant leadership mindset can also help boost the team’s collaborative spirit, enabling members to contribute their best efforts toward project success.
3. Planning
It is arguably the most critical duty for a project manager. A well-thought-out plan is necessary to make things work. This means aligning the project’s tone, timeline, and scope with the company’s overall strategy.
Project managers must look out for future needs, coordinate tasks, and effectively convey the requirements to their teams. They must also develop comprehensive documentation, such as project charters, risk registers, and communication plans, to clarify everyone’s roles and responsibilities.
4. Documenting
Proper documentation is key for any project. Project managers need to keep records of various documents to support the project’s progress and decisions. These include project plans, meeting notes, and status reports.
Meeting notes must have all the points from the meaningful discussions, action items, and deadlines, making them easily accessible for future reference. This helps with accountability and offers valuable insights for future projects, enabling teams to learn from past experiences.
5. Managing Time
Time management is crucial for project managers, especially when juggling multiple projects. The ability to prioritize tasks and distribute time effectively can determine a project’s success or failure.
Utilizing time-blocking and task-prioritization tools can help project managers stay organized and focused. By keeping track of deadlines and ensuring timely task completion, they can navigate the complexities of project demands and maintain momentum.
By mastering these skills, project managers contribute to their projects’ success and enhance their organizations’ overall performance. Whether new to the field or a seasoned professional, honing these responsibilities will elevate your project management career.
If you’re planning to step into the field of project management, Mastering Project Management: A Guide for Leading by Victor Allen and Ron May can be the perfect companion to lead the way. Learn everything from the prodigies themselves and be the master leader of your organization.
Read the book now on Amazon.
