5 Things to Look for in a Project Manager
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Guaranteed You’ll Want This PM On Your Team
When a company is looking for a ninja project manager, what are some of the key attributes that should be at the top of the list?
Based on our extensive experience in project management in marketing & communications, we came up with 5 key characteristics which we believe make for a 5-star project manager. In short, things that will make you want this person on your team.
Organization – You’ve heard this one before and have probably seen it on every list of job requirements. Yes, organization can be as simple as keeping all of those nicely labeled file folders neatly placed in that cute, little nesting shelf you bought at Target...But we mean it in a deeper sense. A project manager naturally will be asked to manage a variety of different tasks. They are the keeper of all those minute details and bits of information that would otherwise fall through the cracks. In addition to information, they manage their own time well. They know how to quickly reorganize their priorities to make room for that last-minute, and often time-sensitive, deadline. They take the time to ensure that outgoing emails are clear and concise and that all questions have been addressed. Organization from top to bottom.
Cool & Calm Under Pressure – Speaking of those last-minute, time-sensitive requests. A strong PM’s energy and approach to challenges and pressure plays a huge role in how they will be able to overcome them and work through that. It is inevitable that a project manager will encounter extreme top-priority, high-sensitivity tasks that require keeping a level head and proceeding with clarity. An expert PM knows how to face challenges with a deep breath, a roll-up of the sleeve, and nimble steps forward to guide a project safely through chaos to its completion.
Willingness to Pivot/Shift as Priorities Change – One of my favorite layman’s descriptions of a project manager is a “professional herder of wet cats”. Truer words have never been spoken. Sometimes tasks will compete and attention will be split. One day the team may decide to completely go a different direction for that one project. How does one handle this, how do they pivot? Are they a “Yes! And” person, or do they lock-up amidst the chaos? An expert PM has an ability to move through challenges with “seeming” ease because they are nimble. They see challenges as a dance, where a simple change of footing is in order. As mentioned before, a key attribute of a great PM is one who is attuned to shifting priorities and who does not let it jam them up, but rather, is effective in reorganizing based on the order of demand.
Excellent Communication Skills – The ability to communicate effectively with a variety of different individuals and groups is a muscle that an expert project manager is always flexing. A great communicator is one that holds confidence in their words, is concise and clear with messaging, and genuine in tone. However, with communication skills, we’re not just talking about talking. Part of that skill also incorporates how well one listens. The more closely a PM listens to the company’s and client’s needs, the better they are able to communicate with them and advocate for them, speaking authentically to a desired audience.
Proactive & Anticipate Needs – As we said, a good communicator knows how to listen well. An excellent listener knows how to anticipate needs. This is paramount as an expert project manager. The team relies on them heavily, not only to get done what needs to be done, but to also help keep people on track, monitor upcoming deadlines and expectations, keep the gears turning. There will be times when a PM will need to swoop in and grease the wheel while everyone else is focused on steering. With a proactive spirit, guided by a great ability to listen to those around them, a PM will be able to anticipate moves and the needs of their team and client. This anticipation allows a steady and healthy work flow, which can ultimately boost morale and productivity overall.
We don’t want to oversimplify the role of a project manager, but believe these 5 tips can give you a LEG UP in your search for a lasting and effective extension of your team.
We have seen this first-hand with all clients for whom we provide project management expertise. Our LEGUP framework is an excellent road map for success.
Curious or want to learn more? Give us a call, we would love to hear from you!
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