3 MORE Traits of Project Managers that Stand Out From the Crowd
Being an effective project manager is something we all strive for. It means we know what we’re doing, have a good track record of success, and get things done. There are a lot of those types of project managers around and it’s up to you to differentiate yourself from those around you. We recently discussed 3 Traits of Project Managers that Stand Out From the Crowd. The following are 3 more for your consideration:
Change Manager
A fact about every project is that there is going to be change. It is next to impossible for a project to make it to completion without change entering the picture. These changes range from the minor (a matter of personal preference) to major (a key requirement may have been missed). The project manager that adeptly manages change will rise to the top.
It’s up to you to expect change, and to have processes and procedures in place to manage them as they occur. Realize that it’s part of your job to roll with the changes that come your way. Do you have a change request form ready? Does the client understand that they can change things at any time, but that it will cost additional money? Do internal stakeholders at your company understand that change typically extends timelines? Make sure you have all of this groundwork covered before change occurs and it will make managing the process that much easier.
Exceptional Planner
An effective project manager is known for their stellar planning capabilities. Sure, we all know how to put a project plan together. That’s the cost of entry to the party. It is the exceptional project manager that has a plan for everything else as well. They don’t just plan out the details that will feed into the project plan; they plan out the big picture as well. Which meetings need to take place? Where do they need to occur? Who needs to be there and how will they be run? They may come to realize that Sales needs to get involved again in the project, so immediately put a plan in place to make that happen. They see both the forest for the trees and the trees for the forest, and this allows them to plan tactically and strategically.
Risk Mitigator
Arguably, one of the most important roles that a project manager serves in is that of risk mitigator. A risk is anything that might occur that would prevent a project from being completed on time and within budget. Isn’t it the project manager’s job to complete projects on time and within budget? That’s why I would consider risk mitigation one of the most important functions.
It is the exceptional project manager that looks under every rock for problems that could potentially move the project off course. Are there enough resources? Have all the requirements been captured? Is there the possibility for another big project to come in and delay this project? What’s more, they put a contingency plan in place to deal with risks in the event that they occur and cause issues.
Make sure you have the 3 traits above as a project manager and you’ll soon find yourself standing head and shoulders above the rest!
