Ten Traits of a Successful
Project Manager
This short article highlights some of the best
traits of a successful project manager. He or
she has many of these abilities:
- In Touch -
Regularly checks the "pulse"
of the project. The balance is in checking
often enough for scope and length of the project,
without over-checking.
- Good Vibrations
- Has inner and outer warmth. The
manager understands people, and can use humor
as a relief.
- Rock-solid - Has
a solid character. Everyone respects and trusts
the manager and his actions.
- Does the Job -
Has a preference for action - doesn't
wait for issues to resolve themselves.
- Good Reactions
- Anticipates problems and plans
as he can to handle or avoid them.
- Not Scattered -
Can handle mulitple tasks with
proper focus. His management style is balanced
between multi-tasking and focusing on the
important details and tasks. This trait is
connected to good time management.
- Focused Picture
- When buried in details, she
can also look at the big picture, and understands
how the teams efforts are integrated in the
whole of the project.
- Quality Workmanship
- Through leading by example, quality
outcomes and products are achieved.
- Bends, but Unbreakable
- Has flexibility, but
can make firm decisions. It is a key trait
to be able to understand when decisions have
to be made by the manager (as opposed to letting
others intercede or make decisions for the
manager by default.)
- Leverages Tools
- Learns and uses tools
to help manage projects. A good PM doesn't
get buried learning complex project management
tools - especially if she does not yet know
the theories or uses behind techniques (such
as earned-value management or PERT charts).
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