A
Project Manager has many desirable traits. The PM is strong and can carry
heavy burdens. The PM is a veteran of previous projects and has earned a
Purple Heart. The PM is also the Sheriff keeping the tasks in line and on
track.
Yes, this super-human is the one every sponsor wants to have as the
Project Manager for their projects. Let's examine in more detail what
roles and from what perspectives the PM is seen.
From the sponsor's view a PM:
· Validates
the project's objectives and deliverables prior to commencing work
· Keeps the
Project on track, within budget and scope
· Alerts the
sponsor when there are roadblocks to clear
· Provides
periodic project status reports
· Manages the
day to day issues and team efficiently
From the project team member's
perspective the PM:
· Secures the
necessary resources (time and/or money) to complete the assigned tasks
· Communicates
to all parties the status of the project tasks
· Influences
everyone associated with the project keeping it on track
· Resolves
issues as they arise
· Facilitates
project meetings
· Manages
scope change requests
· Coaches the
project team in their tasks
From the client/customer
perspective the PM:
· Fulfills the
commitments defined in the Project Objective Statement and Project
Definition
· Periodically
communicates the status of the project and any changes
· Takes the initiative to resolve issues
keeping the project on track
The PM at Work
8 Key Tips for Success as a
Project Manager1
1. Care about everything; dwell on nothing
2. Don't wait to be told to do something
3. Develop a keen understanding of human nature
4. Learn the who, when, and how of relying on others
5. Consider technology, people, and business when making decisions
6. Learn how to make decisions with ambiguous, imperfect, or incomplete
information
7. Never stop developing your social skills
8. Appreciate the value of being politically savvy
1 Heerkens, Gary. Project
Management. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2002
