A project manager is expected to perform the dual task of both managing their team and also ensuring that the delegated tasks are completed successfully within the stipulated time. It is therefore crucial for a project manager to develop a blend of skills that are required to maintain a good view of the bigger picture and steer the project in the right direction, while still dealing with the trivial issues of a regular work day. Let us have a look at seven critical skills for project managers that can help them grow as successful leaders in their organization.
Scheduling
One of the basic skills for project managers in order to be able to organize their project plan, is the art of scheduling. After all, it takes a solid plan to work out a task, complete with its intricate detailing. A project manager must know how to craft a workable and efficient schedule for the successful completion of their project before the stipulated deadline. A major aspect of scheduling is also tracking and reviewing the progress of the project and taking corrective actions to achieve the desired results from a team.
Communication
Another major aspect of good leadership and management is effective communication. If a manager is unable to make their team members understand the 'what' and 'how' of a particular project, chances are that he will not be able to obtain the desired result. A project manager must have the skill to effectively carry out meetings with their team and senior management, and discuss ways and approaches of resolving issues. In addition to this, they must be a good listener who understands and acknowledges any roadblock that their team might hit while working on the project, and provide assistance to deal with them.
Risk Mitigation
A good project manager is acutely aware of the that there will essentially be numerous glitches in the process of working on a project. They not only understand that things can go wrong, but also is well equipped to deal with unforeseen contingencies with a calm demeanor. You must possess the ability to view the bigger picture and identify any imminent risk or pitfalls, well in advance. Plus, they must also have to skill to improvise and devise fresh alternatives and approaches to deal with any setbacks that might occur while working on the project.
Cost Management
A company employs the use of a lot of financial resources in order to carry out a project successfully. However, if the expenses are not managed well, a company can lose out on a major chunk of its assets without obtaining any fruitful result out of it. A project manager must engage in judicious budget allocation and also keep a track of the expenses. They must also be adept at forecasting and evaluating beforehand, as to whether the budget allotted to him will be sufficient for the project completion or not. In short, a project manager must be capable of achieving the desired project results, even with severe cost constraints.
Time Management
The ability to manage time effectively is a critical aspect of the successful completion of a project. Similar to cost allocation, your company also allots a specific time frame within which it expects you to complete your research and submit the final project report for review. It is therefore important for a project manager to be able to work on multiple tasks at a time and deliver a good result for each one of them. For a project manager to be successful in their job, it is crucial for them to develop the skills of avoiding procrastination, making swift decisions, running meetings effectively, and prioritizing the tasks on the basis of their importance. You may be interesting in our article Where Focus Goes Energy Flows.
Tehnical must have skills for project managers
Now that you have become the manager of your team, it does not imply that you need to lose touch of your technical expertise that once won you enormous acclaim from your seniors. In order to be able to effectively lead and manage a technical project team, the manager must possess a comprehensive knowledge about the various programs, software and platforms that their organization regularly works on. A manager cannot really lead a team or engage in effective delegation, if they are unaware of what the project is all about. Having a sound knowledge of the intricacies of the project is the key to supporting your team and providing them guidance whenever they get stuck over some issue.
Team building
A project manager must be able to provide substance required to hold a team together with a common purpose of steering towards the objective. They must have a sound knowledge of the dynamics of an efficient team that comprises of separate individuals brought together as a single cohesive unit. It is important to understand the kind of workforce that will be required to carry out specific tasks related to a project, and build a team of hard working and skilled individuals.
A project manager must proactively work towards honing the vast and varied set of skills that will help them acquire enormous success and acclaim in their career.
