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15 May 2012
In researching the paper, ProjectMinder asked customers what they think differentiate the mediocre manager from the exceptional. While these organisations operate in sectors as diverse as architecture, marketing, property, construction, IT consultancy, energy, procurement and environmental services the results show a surprising commonality in their views.
Clearly being a great project manager is about more than meeting the milestones. Beyond the experience and knowledge of methodologies that any effective project manager requires, he or she must balance an empathetic personality with a cool head, and be both a visionary and a tactician.
Top 12 tips to meet the milestones
1. Set the vision Project managers need to set a clear vision up front and have confidence in that vision.
2. Set the tone A project manager’s own unfeigned enthusiasm can be contagious and help to mould individuals into a cohesive team.
3. Delegate – and then let go Leadership does not mean micro-managing every aspect of the project.
4. Communicate clearly Project managers need to communicate unambiguously in all areas of their job to their team, to other stakeholders in the same organisation and, of course, to the client.
5. Take a creative approach to problem-solving Projects rarely go exactly to plan, so the project manager needs to be able to deal with changing scenarios and create solutions.
6. Keep calm under pressure Events will crop up during the project that will change its course or affect its momentum. Being able to deal with this quickly and efficiently is crucial.
7. Value and champion the team Team members will have different skills sets and experience. They may be ‘on loan’ to the project manager and be accustomed to the management style of their own line manager.
8. Make sound decisions Project managers will need to make many decisions in order to move a project along to completion.
9. Understand and use the technology to apply good working practices Project managers should be confident in handling the various technical tools and software that are at their disposal as an integral part of project management.
10. Help the team to gel
A chain is only as strong as its weakest link and setting up the right team lays a crucial foundation for future success.
11. Build consensus where appropriate Even (or perhaps that should be ‘especially’) within the strongest teams, there will be differing opinions.
12. See the big picture
Good project managers understand the role that their project and team have in the wider business and its long-term strategy.
This 12-point plan is taken from the IRIS ProjectMinder whitepaper: ‘More than meeting the milestones? The top 12 qualities of a successful project manager’. The whitepaper is free and available to download in full at http://www.projectminder.com/
For further information:0844 815 5710 projectminder@irisenterprise.co.uk http://www.projectminder.com/