Project management requires more than superior organizational skills; it requires the ability to lead as well. Much of a project’s success is based on the ability of the project manager to coordinate the efforts of many individuals, at times spread across a variety of disciplines. Additionally, they must also be capable of carrying the vast majority of the burden associated with the project’s completion.
Even if everyone’s leadership style is varied, there are certain fundamental qualities a strong leader possesses. And whether you have years of management experience or are spearheading your first project, everyone can use some guidance from time to time. With that in mind, here are four leadership tips you need to be successful in the position of project manager.
1. Strong Leaders Communicate Clearly and Often
Project managers encounter professionals from a range of fields and specialty areas. Additionally, they have to ensure that all of these professionals can work well together, or at least toward the same goal. And that requires effective communication skills.
Leading a project requires everyone to have a clear understanding of the overall vision, as well as a thorough knowledge of the objectives and performance expectations. And you must be able to explain these points to all parties involved.
Additionally, Being able to listen to team members to gain critical insight and having the ability to provide constructive feedback helps keep the project moving forward, and remaining on target, even when unexpected issues or delays arise.
2. The Right Attitude Goes a Long Way
Part of a project manager’s job is to maintain an air of confidence and enthusiasm regarding the project. Keeping a positive attitude helps other members of the team maintain one themselves and can increase overall productivity. Any doubt expressed on the part of leadership will impact the performance of the team, and may actually cause a fear regarding the project’s viability to become a reality.
Additionally, leaders are able to maintain a level of calm even when things go awry. Strong leaders don’t panic when the project isn’t going to plan, and they are able to convey a sense of cool collectedness to the other team members to help get things back on track.
3. You Can’t Do it All
At times, almost every leader is hesitant to delegate; instead, they try to manage every task within their purview on their own. However, a project’s success is often contingent on the collective skills of the members of the team and failing to delegate leaves some of that potential untapped.
It is important to assess the skills of the team and to give them the opportunity to work based on their strengths. Not only will this help keep the project moving forward in a timely fashion, but it will also lower the level of stress the project manager must take on personally.
4. You Must Be Decisive
Decision-making is a requirement in project management, and when a critical decision must be made, it is important to be decisive. Delaying a decision can have a negative impact on the project, and hedging means that team members might not have a clear idea regarding how they should proceed. When it comes time to pick a direction, manage your research quickly. Then, once a choice is made, make sure everyone involved knows the result.
Are you looking for a new job?
Successful project managers rely on their leadership skills as much as their technical ones and having the proper combination will help drive you toward success. If you are interested in becoming a project manager or are looking for your next opportunity in the field, Resolution Technologies can help you explore any opportunities that may be available to you. Contact us to discuss project management opening in your area.
