Want to know the top project manager qualities you need to have as an effective project leader? Stay tuned, we’ve go the answer. To be a truly great project manager and an effective leader, you must be a strategic business partner fully vested in organizational success — and be able to roll with inevitable setbacks. Here’s how to stand out from the crowd. One could say that project managers have some leadership qualities that make them more effective.
Every project manager knows how to execute projects on time and budget. And good project managers also take pains to meet project requirements consistently. But truly great project leaders go above and beyond. Not only do they execute projects within scope, but they are also accountable, strategic business partners fully vested in organizational success.
If you want to stand out and take your project management career to the next level, the following traits of highly effective project managers will show you the way. Coupled with the necessary technical skills, these attributes will place you in higher demand as a project manager, providing a solid foundation that will enable you to adapt to the constantly changing dynamics of a project while putting your stakeholder’s needs first above all else.
10 Project Manager Qualities That Make Effective Leaders
1. A strategic business partner
One of the top project manager qualities involves higher-level strategic leadership skills, not just technical management skills, which provide significant advantages for organizations of all sizes. These days, there are far more internal and external factors that can negatively impact projects of all types. Such factors include triple bottom line (economic, ecological, and social outcomes), legal and legislative restrictions, remote project issues, and international and cultural factors.
Factors such as these create additional complexities that a project manager must contend with. If you don’t understand how your project fits within the overall company-wide strategic goals, you significantly hamper your chances of delivering effective outcomes. Executive Project Management Offices (EPMOs) focus on this connection and help to increase project, program, and portfolio success rates. Strategy is one of the leadership qualities of project managers that are vital and not only nice to have.
2. Encourages and recognizes valuable contributions
The success or failure of a project doesn’t fall on the shoulders of one person. Effective leadership is strongly impacted by the contributions of others on his or her team. Highly effective project managers share credit for work well done and encourage all members to participate and contribute at their highest levels. Rather than try to be a jack of all trades, leverage the knowledge and skills of others on the team. This simple but effective tactic will significantly increase the likelihood of achieving goals.
3. Respects and motivates all stakeholders
A project manager’s ability to communicate with and influence various stakeholders is paramount to project success. After all, it would be best to find ways to motivate workers over whom you have no direct influence yet who can make or break a project. Instilling confidence in the minds of stakeholders and sponsors is necessary, mainly if and when there is a need to approach them with changes in the project’s scope. Another of the respected project manager qualities is demonstrating respect for team members, stakeholders, and sponsors at all times if you are to receive their respect in turn. It is almost impossible for projects to progress in the right direction and on time without respect and motivation, especially from sponsors and stakeholders.
4. Is fully vested in success
Highly effective project managers believe in their work and are fully vested in seeing a project from initiation to close. This mindset helps achieve the best results throughout the project. Be thoroughly involved in all professional aspects of the project, its activities, and its people. Avoid overextending yourself if you want to maintain professional integrity and stakeholder satisfaction. John Paul Engel, president of Knowledge Capital Consulting, says engagement, resilience, and the ability to maintain a high level of client and team satisfaction are the keys to generating results.
5. Exudes integrity and accountability
Not everything on a project will go as planned. Mistakes are expected, but it’s crucial always to accept when you are wrong and learn from your mistakes. Being accountable for your decisions and actions is vital and sends a strong message to the rest of the team. Paul Dillon, the founder of Dillon Consulting Services LLC, agrees: “Integrity, decisiveness, good judgment, the ability to form a vision and execute it, confidence in your competence” are hallmarks of highly effective project managers.
“Without possessing the project manager qualities like selflessness, which puts the needs and wants of others before your own, you will never get people to ‘follow you to a place where they wouldn’t go to by themselves,’” Dillon says, quoting Joel A. Barker. “And that is why most people fail in leadership positions, I think, or can’t do it at all.” Influential leaders are typically accountable for good or not-so-good outcomes—another one of the leadership qualities of project managers who excel.
6. Works in the gray comfortably
All of the attributes mentioned speak for themselves, but what truly sets a project manager apart is his or her ability to work in the gray. Influential leaders possess this must-have skill since most projects, regardless of type, industry, size, or complexity, will have gray areas you will need to navigate at some point. Issues with external constraints and complexities, remote project limitations, conflict, and ambiguity.
These and other uncertainties will almost certainly be encountered. Joyce Wilson-Sanford, an executive coach, consultant, and writer at JWS Consulting and Read Joyce, says the ability to approach change in an organization, to see when a project is in trouble or can cause trouble, and not to get rattled by delay or crisis or budget cuts is essential. She says project managers with high technical and people skills are a formidable combination to find. And when you combine those with the ability to work in the gray, you are a very effective project manager.
7. Has a problem-solving mindset
Problem-solving is an essential quality for a project manager. Projects often encounter unforeseen challenges that require quick thinking and practical solutions. A highly effective project manager approaches problems with a systematic mindset, analyzing the situation, identifying potential solutions, and evaluating their implications. This analytical approach not only aids in resolving issues but also promotes a culture of critical thinking and innovation within the team.
Decision-making is an integral part of problem-solving. An effective project manager must weigh the pros and cons of various options, considering both short-term impacts and long-term consequences. This ability to make informed decisions, often under pressure, is crucial for maintaining project momentum. Involving team members in the decision-making process can also enhance buy-in and commitment, leading to more effective implementation of solutions.
8. Dedicated to being a team-builder
Building a strong, cohesive team is a cornerstone of effective project management. A highly effective project manager recognizes the importance of fostering collaboration among team members. This involves creating an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and team members feel empowered to contribute their ideas and expertise. By promoting collaboration, project managers can leverage the strengths of each individual to drive project success.
Effective project managers actively work to build team morale and foster collaboration. They understand that a motivated team is more productive and engaged. This can be achieved through team-building activities, recognition of individual contributions, and creating opportunities for professional development. By investing in their team’s growth and well-being, project managers cultivate a positive workplace culture that enhances collaboration and innovation.
9. Believes in continuous learning
The landscape of project management is constantly evolving, making continuous learning an essential quality for effective project managers. Staying updated on industry trends, new methodologies, and emerging technologies is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge. A highly effective project manager actively seeks opportunities for professional development, whether through formal training, certifications, or self-directed learning. This commitment to growth enhances their skills and sets a positive example for their team.
Embracing a mindset of continuous improvement is vital for project success. Effective project managers regularly assess their processes and seek feedback from team members and stakeholders. This evaluation helps identify areas for improvement, enabling project managers to refine their approach and enhance efficiency. By fostering a culture of learning within the team, project managers encourage innovation and adaptability, which are critical in today’s dynamic business environment.
10. Effective Time Management and Organizational Skills
Time management is a vital quality for any project manager. With numerous tasks and deadlines, prioritizing effectively ensures that projects stay on track. An effective project manager employs tools such as Wrike, Monday.com, Teamwork, Microsoft Project, Asana, and Trello. These tools provide a centralized platform for managing tasks, timelines, and resources. They enable project managers to create schedules, assign tasks, track progress, and collaborate with team members. They also use Gantt charts and task lists to visualize timelines and manage workload efficiently. This organizational prowess allows for better planning and identifying potential bottlenecks before they impact progress.
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Effective time management involves setting realistic deadlines and expectations. A project manager must assess the capabilities of their team and the complexity of the tasks at hand. By doing so, they can establish achievable timelines that motivate the team while minimizing stress. This balance is crucial for maintaining morale and productivity, as overly aggressive deadlines can lead to burnout and decreased performance.
Being organized extends beyond managing timelines. An effective project manager keeps meticulous records, whether project documentation, meeting notes, or budget tracking. This organizational skill not only aids in current project execution but also serves as a valuable resource for future projects. A well-documented history of past projects can provide insights and lessons learned to enhance future project planning and execution.
All content: Copyright 2018 by CIO.com—IDG Enterprise Inc., 492 Old Connecticut Path, Framingham, MA. 01701.
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