A successful Project Manager doesn’t mean one who guarantees success, but one who can learn from mistakes and does better after every challenge he faced. For a newbie project manager, the most important qua
lity is attitude. The zeal or courage to face adverse situations and to keep the composure and self control intact to tackle the situation is mandatory.
A 10 step guide meant to help newbie Project Managers in order to be successful is shared below. The important 3 P of Project Management are Project Scoping and Planning, Process and People. We will talk more about it as we progress through our simple guide.
- Step 1: People:
Knowing your team and managing your resources to the best of their abilities ensures success of any project. One of the key ingredients to success lies in the team member selection. Next is to make the individuals work like a team to achieve a common goal. A project manager must know about the concept of team dynamics and how to ensure he can build teamwork among all his team members.
- Step 2:Project Scoping and Planning:
Honest project scoping and planning reduces the risk of failure, including unrealistic goals which might in turn might result in failure. For the best project plan use the work breakdown structure (WBS), break your project activities into as small and detailed modules as possible.
- Step 3: Process:
Adhering to process ensures high quality deliverables. A standard process can be followed based on the company working culture and business environment. Following the process reduces the risk of repeating mistakes and helps you keep an eye on the progress of the project.
- Step 4: Customer Relationship Management:
For best project results, it is very important to have a good relationship with the stakeholders. Keeping the customer informed about the progress of the project and communicating with your management regarding project issues helps in ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Step 5: Risk Management:
Every project is susceptible to risks and unexpected hurdles. It is important for a project manager to foresee and be prepared for those hurdles.
- Step 6:Audits and Time Management:
Frequent audits and checks to ensure project continuity ensures adherence to deadlines. A daily update on project progress helps to ensure success. In case there are issues with progress, either more resources can be pulled in or the scope of the project can be reduced after discussing it with the customer.
- Step 7: Communication Skills:
A good project manager must listen and empathize. Empathy is especially important when you’re dealing with your clients as this makes them come back for your service.
- Step 8: Zeal to Gain Experience:
Newbie Project Managers can also pick up valuable experience by seeking out volunteer opportunities in not-for-profits charities and government agencies.
- Step 9:Attention to Details:
One of the most oft-cited skill for project managers, attention to details ensures one is not missing anything.
- Step 10: Attitude and Zeal to succeed:
There will be adverse situations where a Project Manager will be under a lot of pressure. The one who can face the situation and keep his/her self control to achieve the impossible is one who gains respect and experience. As the old adage says,” When the going gets tough, the tough gets going”.
Success is never guaranteed, it is earned. A Project Manager must know to learn and apply his best.
