Introduction to the responsibilities and functions of a project manager
As a young aspiring professional looking to become a project manager, it’s important to understand the role and responsibilities of a project manager.
Project managers are responsible (and often accountable) for
- leading teams,
- allocating resources,
- managing and mitigating risk,
- controlling finances
- communicate effectively to all stakeholders
- and adapt to changes in the project environment
12 things you MUST know to be the BEST: the Core!
At the core of a project manager’s role is the ability to plan and execute projects.
Planning
This involves defining project objectives, developing project plans, and creating timelines and budgets. Project managers must also be able to identify and manage project risks, ensuring that potential issues are addressed, and mitigating the impact of the risk, if not eliminating them, before they present ramifications for the project.
Methodologies
There are many ‘methodologies’ within Project Management, and abiding by your firm’s methodology is foundational to equipping you with the right tools to be effective. Afterall, your are not a lone solider, you are part of a larger team, running your project team.
Communication
Communication is a critical aspect of a project manager’s role.
Project Managers MUST be able to effectively communicate with ALL team members, stakeholders, and clients to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that project goals are being met. This includes providing regular updates on project status, managing expectations, and resolving conflicts.
People and Culture
In addition to managing the project itself, project managers are responsible for managing the people working on the project. This involves setting clear expectations, providing feedback, and managing performance to ensure that everyone is working together towards a common goal.
Ambiguity
Finally, project managers must be able to adapt to changes in the project environment. Projects rarely go according to plan, and project managers must be able to adjust plans and resources as needed to keep the project on track.
the Old addage, if you ‘fail to plan, you plan to fail’ could not be truer, that said, dealing with ambiguity is (Like Planning, Communicating, and creating a Culture of performance) is a foundational skill for a project manager.
The Recipe to Becoming a Great Project Manager
Becoming a successful project manager requires a combination of skills and attributes, including leadership, communication, problem-solving, and adaptability.
Strategies
Over the course of this blog series, we will explore these skills in more detail and provide tips and strategies for developing them. Remember, becoming a well-developed project manager is an emergent process that requires a combination of experiential learning and academic studies, along with stretch challenges at every step of the way. So, let’s dive in and explore the key behaviors, attributes, and focus points needed to become a successful project manager.
Responsibilities
As we begin to explore the responsibilities and functions of a project manager, it’s important to consider the insights of some of the best thinkers in this space. These experts have identified key behaviors and attributes that separate great project managers from those who are simply good.
Subject Mater Experts
One such expert is Dr. Robert K. Wysocki, author of “Effective Project Management: Traditional, Agile, Extreme.” In his book, Dr. Wysocki emphasizes the importance of effective communication in project management. He writes, “The primary responsibility of the project manager is to ensure that everyone working on the project is clear about what they need to do, when they need to do it, and how they need to do it.”
Another expert is Dr. Harold Kerzner, author of “Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling.” Dr. Kerzner stresses the importance of leadership in project management. He writes, “The project manager must be a leader, not a manager. Managers focus on controlling resources, while leaders focus on inspiring and motivating people to achieve their best.”
These insights highlight the importance of communication and leadership in project management.
The 12 things you MUST know to be better than the rest, to be the best Project Manager:
- Introduction: The Recipe to Becoming a Great Project Manager
- Building a Strong Foundation: Key behaviors, attributes, and focus points required to become an effective project manager.
- Developing Essential Skills: The core skills needed to be successful as a project manager, including communication, organization, and leadership.
- The Importance of Emotional Intelligence: How to cultivate emotional intelligence and use it to navigate complex projects and relationships.
- Learning to Manage Time: Techniques and tools for effective time management, prioritization, and goal-setting.
- Effective Communication: Strategies for clear, concise, and persuasive communication, including stakeholder management and conflict resolution.
- Managing Project Risks: Identifying, analyzing, and mitigating potential risks that could impact project outcomes.
- Quality Control and Assurance: Ensuring that projects meet quality standards and deliverables are of the highest quality.
- Budgeting and Cost Control: Understanding financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
- Team Management: Strategies for building and leading high-performance teams, including motivation, delegation, and performance management.
- Continuous Improvement: The importance of ongoing learning and development for project managers, including professional certifications and training.
- Balancing Project Management and Career Development: Tips for balancing project management responsibilities with career development goals, including networking and seeking stretch assignments.
Shooting for Great, not just Good!
If you are going to do something, do it to be the best!
Great project managers can effectively communicate with team members and stakeholders, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and working towards a common goal. They are also able to inspire and motivate team members to achieve their best.
In contrast, good project managers may be competent in their technical skills but lack the communication and leadership skills necessary to excel in their roles. They may struggle to manage conflicts or inspire team members to achieve their best.
As you begin your journey into becoming a project manager, it’s important to consider these insights and work on developing your communication and leadership skills. By doing so, you can set yourself apart as a great project manager who is able to effectively lead teams and achieve project goals.
Thought Leaders
I can’t encourage you enough, never stop learning, always be reading….! Here are some recommended books by the authors I mentioned earlier:
- “Effective Project Management: Traditional, Agile, Extreme” by Dr. Robert K. Wysocki
- “Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling” by Dr. Harold Kerzner
- “Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide)” by Project Management Institute (PMI)
- “The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management” by Eric Verzuh
- “Project Management for Dummies” by Stanley E. Portny –
These books offer valuable insights and practical advice for project managers at all levels. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your existing skills, these resources can help you navigate the complex responsibilities and functions of project management.
