How to become a Successful Project Manager

How to  Become A Successful Project Manager

Who is a manager?

A person responsible for controlling or administering an organization or group of staff.

Who is a project manager?

The meaning of project manager varies, it depends on the type of project the person is managing, however, the elements of project manager in different types of project are embedded in the definition below.

Project managers play the lead role in planning, executing, monitoring, controlling and closing projects. Here is a look at the project manager role, responsibilities, relevant certifications, expected salaries, and job-seeking tips.

Qualities of a good project manager.

1. Effective Communication Skill

One of the qualities of a good manager is being a good communicator so that he can connect with people at all levels. The project manager must clearly explain the project goals as well as each member’s tasks, responsibilities, expectations and feedback.

2. Strong Leadership Skill

Effective project management means having strong leadership qualities such as being able to motivate his team and drive them to maximum performance so that they can achieve their goals.

3. Good Decision Maker

An effective project manager needs to have decision-making skills because there will always be decisions that need to be acted on.

4. Technical Expertise

Since project management software and other related programs are essential in accomplishing the project goals, an effective project manager needs to have sound technical knowledge to understand the issues that are related to the technical aspect. Knowledge of theory as well as the technical side can greatly help the manager in taking strategic initiatives when needed.

5. Inspires a Shared Vision

An effective project manager can articulate the vision to his team members very well. A visionary person can lead his people to the right direction as well as easily adapt to the changes that come in the way. They are good at empowering people to experience the vision on their own.

6. Team Building Skills

It is necessary that a team works in unison otherwise the project will undergo various relationship challenges that might hinder its success. Project managers need to know how to give each of them the importance they need by focusing on their positive traits. He has to be fair and just in the way he treats them.

7.Cool Under Pressure

As the project goes on, certain incidents could take a toll on the project’s momentum and test the project manager’s patience. It is essential that a project manager keeps his calm at all times and be consistently grounded so as not to lose himself and adversely affect his relationship with the team.

8. Good Negotiation Skill

One of the qualities needed for effective project management is the ability to negotiate. In times that conflict arise due to differences in opinion, project managers need sheer negotiating skills to settle the issue and maintain harmony in the team.

What to do to become a Successful Project Manager

1 Understand Project Management Skill you Already have.

If you’ve ever planned, led, budgeted, scheduled, or documented the progress of a project, you’ve done some elements of project management. Did you organize an event in a previous job? Find new ways to make your workplace more efficient? Coordinate volunteers to clean up a beach? Though you might not have thought of it as project management at the time, your past experiences may have given you some exposure to the skills you’ll need as a project manager.

2. Build Project management Experience

Many project managers get their start in non-managerial positions on a team. For example, IT project managers may work for several years as an IT associate, or perhaps as a business analyst supporting the IT team. Their roles may gradually expand as they gain industry expertise, take on managerial tasks, develop organizational skills, and learn to work with the members on their team. 

3. Enhance your Project Management Resume

As you gain experience and skills in this field, take the time to enhance your project management resume   Review project manager job listings, from entry level to advanced roles, to find out what companies are looking for.

Highlight the qualifications you have that match the job requirements and feature them prominently on your resume. 

Use action verbs to describe tasks you performed in previous roles, and when possible, emphasize any quantifiable outcomes.

4. Look for entry level position

Gradually working your way up the ladder from within a team isn’t the only way to become a project manager. Many project managers get their start in entry-level organizational positions to build key skills. Keep an eye out for these titles in your search:

•    Project coordinator
•    Operations coordinator
•    Associate project manager
•    Junior project manager
•    Operations associate
•    Administrative associate

5. Consider a project Management Credential

 A certification or certificate can help you get your foot in the door for project management jobs. Here are a few to consider:

•    Certified associate Project management

•    Google Project Management

•    Project Management Professionals

•    Certified Scrum Master

•    Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)

•    ICAgile Certified Professional (ICP)

In conclusion,

“Objectives are not fate they are direction. They are not commands; they are commitments. They do not determine the future; they are means to mobilize the resources and energies of the business for the making of the future." -Peter Drucker

Projects run on commitment and a project manager can never run into trouble if they are committed to acting on the project. Have an action to take and the desired plan to act. The more determined the project manager is inclined to fulfill the commitments made to team, stakeholders, customers, and clients, the more are the chances of finishing the project on time and within budget. By going through the above route, you will surely get to the destination of being a successful project manager.

Here are some resources to make you stay productive and more profitable as a project manager:

•    The Complete Course on Contracts and Project Management

•    Project Management: Role of the Procurement Officers

•    Facility Construction and Project Management Course

•    Project Management Skills for Internal Auditors