Working as a part of a group has never been more important. As the generations become more and more educated, soon it will be almost impossible to think of a job without imagining your work as a part of a larger team, where all decisions and details are created within a closed group of individuals, usually led by a project manager.
Some of the most stressful parts of leading a group is actually making all the people work together, and being a project manager is so much more than dividing and assigning tasks – nowadays it includes excellent interpersonal skills, clear communication and the need to do things exactly as planned.
So, what are some of the skills a great project manager must have?
1. Problem Solving Skills
Not everything you encounter along the way has to be fixed by someone else – great project managers take great pride in fixing things that are within their reach. Not only will this guarantee that the results are exactly as they want them to be, but it also minimizes time used – after all, if you see something that is broken, fix it.
Naturally, having a realistic plan is essential, as a great project manager will not try and do everything himself, but he won’t shy away from getting his hands dirty, once in a while. Making things happen should start from the top, and this kind of enthusiasm will not go unnoticed, both by those above you as well as those below.
2. Organization Is the Key
Having a clear understanding of what it is you and your team need doing is essential, and assigning tasks into detailed timeframes will make everything go smoothly. This is a perfect way of achieving excellent results, and everyone will know to expect a timeframe that is necessary.
Do not hurry things that can wait, focus on what is in front of you, but have in mind what is to come – and by efficiently dividing tasks, both you and your team members will know what to expect, and having a clear goal in mind will make everything easier.
3. Being Assertive and Friendly
There is a great difference between being a project manager and being a leader, and actually balancing your assertiveness with your friendliness can make, or break your team. No one wants someone who only commands without actually listening, as being passive is not something that will get you far.
On the other hand, being too friendly can lead to situations where your good will can be abused, and that is something that you always must have in mind. Approach team members with respect, and demand the same from them between themselves and towards you.
Before deciding on a situation before you, make sure you know as much as you can, and then make a decision, don’t be afraid to hear everyone out, but also make sure to make a firm stance when it is needed.
4. Paying Attention to the Bigger Picture
You do not want to get stuck trying to manage every single detail; it is essential that you dedicate most of your attention to the ultimate goal. This doesn’t meant that smaller tasks aren’t important, it is just that you simply can read project management software reviews and choose the best one to help you micromanage – when necessary.
Make sure that all team members are able to work autonomously, but always be there to guide and correct them. Your primary job is setting the course, you don’t have to clean the deck as well.
5. Be There for Your Team
Mistakes happen but they do not define people – it is how they behave after them. If you notice an error, make sure to bring it up politely and discreetly, no need to make a big deal out of something that has happened for the first time. Create an environment where people are free to double check things they are not sure of.
Do not play the blame game or simply point a finger at someone; this will create distrust and will simply make others dislike you. If you create a strong team, where everyone knows how to work with each other, mistakes will happen, but less and less over time, and everyone will prosper from results like that.