Building a Strong Foundation
Key behaviors, attributes, and focus points required to become an effective project manager.
Becoming an effective project manager requires more than just a title or a job description. It requires a set of behaviors, attributes, and focus points that form the foundation of a successful career in project management. In this blog, we will explore some of the key elements required to build a strong foundation and become an effective project manager.
Series
This blog is from a series of the 12 things you MUST master, to be the BEST, Project Manager, I just wish someone wrote them out for me at the start of my career.
Strong Foundation
Behaviors
One of the key behaviors of an effective project manager is the ability to lead and inspire their team. Project managers must be able to communicate effectively, provide direction, and set clear expectations for their team members. They must also be able to handle conflicts and make tough decisions while keeping the team motivated and focused on the project goals.
Another important behavior is being proactive and taking initiative. Project managers must be able to identify potential issues and risks and take action to mitigate them before they become major problems. They must also be able to adapt to changes and be flexible in their approach to project management.
Attributes
Effective project managers possess a set of attributes that allow them to succeed in their roles. These include strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously. Project managers must also be able to think strategically, analyze data, and make informed decisions based on their findings.
Empathy and Relationships
In addition, effective project managers possess strong interpersonal skills, such as empathy, emotional intelligence, and the ability to work well with others. They must be able to build and maintain positive relationships with team members, stakeholders, and other project stakeholders.
Focus points
To become an effective project manager, it is important to focus on certain key areas. These include developing a deep understanding of project management principles and best practices, as well as building a strong knowledge base in project management tools and software.
Effective project managers also focus on building their leadership skills, as well as their communication and negotiation skills. They seek out opportunities for professional development, such as attending industry conferences and obtaining relevant certifications.
Action Planning
So you want to be a Project Manager? Start by reflecting on your current Behaviours, Attitudes, Empathy, and Relationships. focus on building a strong foundation and make a list of key action points to “Project Manage”, you and your professional development.
Shooting for Great, not just Good!
If you are going to do something, do it to be the best!
Great project managers can effectively control their attitudes and behaviors in the toughest of situations, and still focus on the outcomes of the project without impacting their relationships, even better, they can use the events to strengthen their relationships and their team’s commitment to the mission.
In contrast, good project managers may be competent in their technical skills but lack the empathy and compassion to win the hearts and minds of the team to battle through and leadership skills necessary to excel in their roles. Typically they struggle to manage conflicts or inspire team members to achieve their best.
Effective project managers must possess leadership skills, take initiative, be proactive in identifying risks and opportunities, possess strong organizational skills, think strategically, and possess strong interpersonal skills. By focusing on these key areas, aspiring project managers can build a strong foundation and set themselves up for success in their careers.
Thought Leaders
Here are a few suggestions for authors and their relevant works that represent best practices in building a strong foundation for effective project management:
- “The Effective Executive” by Peter Drucker – This classic book outlines the key behaviors and habits required for effective leadership and management, including setting priorities, making effective decisions, and cultivating strong relationships with colleagues.
- “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” by Patrick Lencioni – This book explores the common dysfunctions that can prevent teams from working effectively together, and offers practical strategies for building strong, cohesive teams.
- “Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High” by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler – Effective communication is a key attribute for project managers, and this book provides strategies for navigating difficult conversations and resolving conflicts in a productive way.
- “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries – This book is focused on entrepreneurship, but many of the principles it espouses are also relevant for project management, including the importance of being flexible, experimenting and iterating quickly, and focusing on the customer.
Here are some books that could be helpful for building a strong foundation as a project manager:
- “Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager” by Kory Kogon, Suzette Blakemore, and James Wood
- “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
- “The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management” by Eric Verzuh
- “Project Management for Dummies” by Stanley E. Portny
