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Workplace Doctor:
I am compiling a research essay for a company on "Attributes of a Project
Manager" focusing on what qualities are required in a project leader to enable him to
efficiently lead to accomplish timely, cost-effective and quality projects.
Thank You,
Writer From Down Under (Australia)
Hello Writer:
Project leaders work at different levels. Some at the planning level, some at the manage "running things" level, and some at the operational "hands on doing" level.
The attributes that make them effective may vary according to their assigned projects, of course, but there are attributes in common for effective project managers. This person needs to be able to understand and use the scientific method of investigation, analyzing situations, encouraging and insisting on collective decision making and implementation of testing and piloting proposals. Foremost among them is a process-consciousness. By this I mean they are sensitive to the communication that engages those who should be a party to the planning and doing of a project. They are careful to include all in building an agenda and in collaboratively gathering necessary information. They engage all who must approve of and be persuaded of cost-cutting, innovation, or change in the way things are done. In this sense, they are politically respectful of how things are done.
At the operational level, perhaps more than for those who plan and manage, it is important to be visible and available. Good project managers are hands on people, servants of those and co-workers with those engaged in the project. At one General Electric Plant, the rule of thumb is for their managers to visit each operation three times a working day. The discretionary time and effort of a good project manager is altruistic and conscientious. That is to say that the manager helps others accomplish a job and is dependable. Dependability is especially important in that the project manager must be available resilient, have follow-up and follow-through behaviors.
Finally let me suggest that a project manager should be a person of integrity. By this I mean she or he is principled about being principled and values the virtues of honesty and giving full value to customers, both internal and external to the organization. Such a manager seeks to do what is right both in the short and long run for those involved in the project, those who will benefit from the project, and those in the wider environment for years to come. Being able to both take an assignment seriously and to maintain the ability to approach it with good humor--to see the foibles and foolishness of organizational life without bitterness is yet another attribute one might want from one's project manager.
I would like to see the finished report you prepare.
WEGO is collaborative from start to finish.--Bill Gorden