Project management
Project Management involves goal definition, translating the goal into steps/milestones by planning and time management. On top of this, project management also involves monitoring progress, communication, and problem-solving. No matter how small or large the project is, and if you are the only one involved or if a large team is working on the project, it can be beneficial to know what your traits as a project manager are. This information helps you to avoid traps and disappointments. Once you have plotted what type of project manager you are, you should work out a strategy for your weaker sides, e.g. delegating parts of the work to someone else, or dedicating your own time and attention to the things you are not so good at.
The most important traits for a project manager are:
- Collaborative/Communicative - Make decisions, guide, and seek and build commitment, trust.
- Adaptable/Flexible - Quickly assess a new situation and adapt to changes.
- Detail-oriented - Know the project in detail, plan tasks ahead and in detail. Tackle delay or issues before they become problems.
- Entrusting - Delegate, deal with and know what the skills of the people are. Keep the big picture. Let go, and trust that others (specialists) will do a good job. You can’t do and control it all.
- Visionary - Keep focus on the goal. Pay attention to the golden triangle: time, money, quality of outcome.
- Creative - Intuitive, insight in people and subject matter. Think out-of-the-box, do not stick rigidly to the plan if it does not work out.
- Resourceful - Solve problems, make best use of the resources (people, time, money) available.
Other important beneficial traits are, e.g. Tenacious, Good-humoured, Persistent.
Similar to learning styles, every person has preferences and stronger and weaker characteristics. Depending on the level of your balance, you can consider yourself a Strategist, a Mentor, a Superhero, a Micromanager, an Overachiever, or a General.
Check out your project management traits/style using the following resources:
