Almost any major new initiative in a company takes the form of a project. For anyone wanting to become a leader, project work is a great opportunity. What are the leadership challenges of every project manager? Let’s take a look, by invitation of the management.about.com website.
Dealing with uniqueness
Projects are by definition temporary and unique. All the work is done once to create something new. Every new product development is unique. Implementing new software is also a one-off event. Execution of a strategic initiative requires different steps this year than two years ago. True, project managers do learn lessons from past projects but this does not alter the fact that every new project is somehow unique.
Forming a team in a hurry
Members of a project team are often drawn from different functional areas. The group as a whole then focuses on a new initiative. Assessing and negotiating for resources with line managers is a challenging task for any project manager. Then to bring the entire team to life is a difficult leadership issue. Furthermore, time is limited.
Navigating complex needs
Project success often depends on how skilled a project manager is at assessing and meeting the needs of customers and stakeholders. All parties involved have their own interests and requirements regarding project quality, timing, budgets and resources. Project managers have to deal with the individuals affected by the project, including executives. This means endless negotiations and a test of one's abilities in diplomacy.
Helping the team move from forming to performing
Project managers are in fact team coaches. They help each member of the team to define their roles, understand their work and then guide key discussions and decisions – all of which is a great test of their leadership.
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