12 Effective Project Management Skills (Online Courses Included)
Business projects are often complex and involve numerous stakeholders, so having a project manager lead the process is critical for any project’s success. Without proper planning and project management, companies are likely to waste a lot of time and money. Project managers are quite expensive, but it is difficult to hold the team and client together without them. Internal communication will improve, and better business decisions will be made.
So, what should you be looking for when appointing a project manager? Here are some of the most important characteristics effective project managers share.
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1. The Project Manager Should Have Strong Leadership Skills
Successful project management requires strong leadership skills, which is a vital characteristic of a good project manager. A true leader is the glue that holds the team together in good and bad times and knows when to motivate or hold them accountable. This boosts the team and drives them to maximum performance to achieve their goals.
The right leadership style will ensure that the team has a clear understanding of what is expected of them and that they stay in line with the strategic goals, ensuring the project’s successful completion. As the project manager, you should know how to analyze a situation effectively and make informed decisions.
Project Management For Managers
2. They Should Have Effective Communication Skills
Great communication is a recipe for a great relationship. A good communicator can connect with people at all levels by clearly explaining the project goals and what is expected of each team member. Being open and direct about responsibility, goals, performance, and feedback will ensure the project’s success. Negotiate with team members and use persuasion when necessary to ensure the successful completion of the project.
The language you use is also important. You need to communicate in a language style that your team members can identify with and easily act upon.
3. A project manager should be a problem-solver
Project managers need to have excellent problem-solving skills. Issues that may arise could include clients, stakeholders, or team members. You must think on your feet and effectively handle problems and disputes that may arise, ensuring the project is completed timely and within budget.
4. They Should Have Team-Building Skills
For a team to progress from a group of strangers to a cohesive unit, the leader must understand the dynamics and different styles of the team members. A team needs to work in unison to ensure a project’s success. To be an effective team builder, the project manager must be a strong person who holds the team together with a common purpose to reach the required objective. He must focus on each team member’s positive traits and be fair and just how he treats them.
5. They Should Have Good Negotiation Skills
As a project manager, you’ll inevitably find yourself caught in a constant battle that requires negotiating. It’s actually a never-ending cycle, whether it be employee conflict, a new hire, or merely bringing the team in line with the strategic goals. Successful negotiation is bringing everyone’s interests on the same page and making everyone believe they’re getting what they want – pretty smart, don’t you think?
6. They Should Stay Cool Under Pressure
We would all like our projects to be delivered under budget, on time, and with no major problems, but unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world. Projects have problems – period. That’s why you need a project manager with a calm and hardy attitude who can take obstacles in stride. True leaders find stressful events interesting and see them as opportunities. They influence the outcome and pull the project together. Remember – never let them see you sweat!
7. They Should Have Technical Expertise And Competence
Being tech-savvy is an essential skill if you want to be a successful project manager. Having hands-on experience with the latest technology can speed up productivity and help avoid possible pitfalls. In the long run, you can either work hard or work smart by being tech-savvy!
Leading your team competently and effectively is key and promotes a sense of trust and authority. However, keep in mind that an essential part of competency is knowing when you aren’t an expert in specific fields and asking for help when necessary. A winning track record is the surest way to be considered competent.
8. They Should Inspire A Shared Vision
An effective project manager has a vision of where to go and the ability to articulate it. He thrives on change and drawing new boundaries and makes his team feel they have a real stake in the project. A visionary leader lifts people up and gives them the spirit to change. He empowers them to create their own vision and what this vision means to their lives, jobs, and future in the company.
9. They Should Bring Transparency And Consistency
In project management, transparency clearly shows the team how well or how bad a project is performing, resulting in the team working and feeling better. Transparency is vital for project success as it keeps the work on track, builds trust, enhances teamwork, and boosts productivity.
A good project manager will be consistent in his approach by using repeated and consistent practices that are continually used throughout the company. The success of all projects is guaranteed if they are regarded with the same quality standards and requirements.
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10. Project Manager Should Be A Good listener
Active listening is an essential project management skill, as it allows you to make a proper connection and develop deeper relations with your team members. Being a good listener will help you get to know the other person’s point of view and their requirements and needs. This will make it easier to work with them, ensuring the best possible results for the project.
11. They Should Be Well-Connected In The Organization
The project manager is the point person on the team for both the customer and the delivery team. A well-connected project manager will know the right individuals in different departments, like Tech Support, Human Resources, Accounting, etc., to get the support and answers necessary for the project to run smoothly.
12. Introduce A Project Manager To Your Team
A project manager provides direction to ensure that every contributor knows what is expected at every phase of the project. He must possess certain essential characteristics to motivate the team and bring a project to successful completion.
Coggno has a wide range of Project Management online corporate training courses.
You can have a look at our free courses here and our course catalog here.
