Prerequisites for successful project management

The Project Manager title can often be found on people's business cards who actually do not manage any project. It simply looks better than "Assistant" and often even better than "Consultant". Such a person can also be a manager who is in charge of a project, but lacks knowledge of basic project management techniques, which greatly hampers his work.

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If you want to be taken seriously in the field of project management you need to have the proper educational background. You should start with at least a basic PM course. You should have knowledge in all the following skills highlighted on the PM Hut website.

1. Strategic thinking

A project manager must first have a vision. Equally important, however, is to  be able to create a strategic plan that the project team will follow. This includes everything from choosing the right tools and methods to solving any problems that may arise.

2. Project management competence

Knowledge of the company's industry is important, but not essential. It is more important is to know project management techniques and to be able to distinguish what works and what does not.

3. Organizational skills

A project manager must keep in mind that time is money. He should do everything to ensure that his team performs its tasks on time and within the specified budget. This requires not only experience in project management, but also more importantly in people management.

4. Psychological resistance

Things never happen exactly according to plan. A project manager must therefore be able to remain calm in difficult situations and always evaluate possible solutions. He should also not be afraid to ask others for help. Also sense of humor helps a lot.

5. Sense of responsibility

Being responsible for the success of a project requires taking responsibility for how your decisions will affect the people around you and the whole company. Before you decide to take risks, consider the consequences  of success as well as failure. In case you fail, never blame your team.

6. Enthusiasm

A good project manager motivates his team by radiating energy and a positive attitude towards work. Although you will sometimes be low on energy, your positive attitude should always remain.

7. Communication skills

Team work is impossible without good communication. A project manager must be able to persuade, encourage and listen. He should also know how to  give constructive criticism and express praise.

8. Leadership skills

Leadership can be briefly summed up as follows: Be a good example and people will follow you. A leader in the role of project manager sets high expectations and knows how to recognize everybody's part in successfully implementing them. He trusts others and does not act arrogant.

9. Innovation

A good project manager looks for new and better solutions to old problems. He is not afraid of new technologies and procedures to enhance the performance of his team.

10. Ability to acknowledge

The art of saying "thank you" is a powerful motivational tool. A project manager should not overlook it and should celebrate both partial and final victories with his team.

What were your beginnings in project management? What methodology do you prefer and what other skills do you think are important?

-kk-

Article source PM Hut - the largest database of categorized Project Management articles
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