5 Tips For Being the Best Project Manager

The role of a project manager is to expertly manage each and every aspect of a specific project from beginning to end. Each project is unique and involves a particular set of operations designed in order to accomplish a specific objective. A project manager requires a range of qualities in order to provide the most effective management. Read on to discover these essential attributes and find out how to become the best project manager you can be.

1. Do a project management training course - Completing a recognised training course in project management is the most effective way to keep up to date with the latest professional techniques and improve your abilities. PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) is acknowledged globally as an effective project management method, based on proven principles. PRINCE2 training can be tailored to meet the requirements of any size or type of project and has become a pre-requisite for most project management vacancies. PRINCE2 Foundation and PRINCE2 Practitioner courses are combined and delivered in just 5 days, providing all the skills and knowledge required to be a successful project manager. 

2. Be a strong leader - A project manager has many roles but by far the most important task is the effective leadership of the project team. Project management is not an ongoing process; it has a target end-point to work towards and in order to deliver on this target, the project manager must manage their team efficiently and comprehensively. Additionally, being a project manager involves using skill and expertise in order to inspire a sense of purpose which is shared by the entire team, and can be used to develop trust and communication amongst its members.

3. Communicate clearly - Know your team! Listen and engage with them, as encouraging interaction and communication will subsequenlty improve productivity. An excellent project manager should be able to articulate their visions and goals for a project in a way that every project team member can grasp quickly and easily. Organise and conduct regular project meetings at a consistent time each week, this allows your team to be aware of the routine and be prepared. After each meeting, send a follow-up email to each attendee, reviewing what was covered and setting out the objectives for the following week.

4. Break things down - From the very first day of the project it is crucial to break it down into a set of short-term tasks and objectives and create realistic deadlines. In other words, be aware of your end goal but also know what you need to do on a daily basis! This technique will ensure that deadlines can be met and keep the project running on time. In the long-term, using this method will provide you with an accurate forecast of the completion of the entire project.

5. Be flexible and cool under pressure- Plans do not always come to fruition, and when faced with an unexpected problem a great project manager must be adaptable, flexible and calm under pressure. Problem-solving skills are also essential here for re-organising and taking back control. Be ready for change and prepared to produce alternative plans.