Key Skills for Aspiring Project Managers
The new decade has begun, and it is important to believe in the magic of new beginnings. I bid farewell to the old decade that gave many memories to cherish and taught valuable lessons in life. I want to discuss three key skills every aspiring project manager should possess to have a long and successful career. These are Communication, Leadership and Adaptability skills.
One of the first lessons I learned in class is that Project Management is 90% communication. Communication involves the process of understanding and ensuring we are understood, and a project manager must master this skill to be successful. Effective communication requires active listening. Developing communication skills takes time and will likely be an ongoing process as communication tools continually evolve. A powerful yet common tool for ensuring effective communication is the identification of Why, What, When, Where, Who, and How the communication is required.
Leadership is the current buzzword in the project management industry. People work for managers, but they follow leaders. By providing a clear vision and roadmap for success, a leader serves and empowers the team to get there. There are different styles of leadership, and it is essential to understand the importance of each style. An aspiring manager can develop this skill by following simple steps such as learning from other leaders, developing situational awareness, inspiring others and through conflict resolution. A leader should understand and respect the differences within a team. A good practice is to create team contracts to discuss and document team members' expectations and goals before they start working together. By understanding individual aspirations, a manager can inspire the team to work together and be successful.
Technology is changing our world at a rapid pace and adaptability is a key skill for project managers. Failure to keep up with technology has led to the demise of companies and careers. A critical difference between successful and unsuccessful project managers is the willingness to step out of one's comfort zone and learn continuously to adapt to changing surroundings. With workflows and project development practices ever-changing, project managers need to make a concerted effort in developing adaptability as a key skill. A project manager's ability to be adaptable will serve as a key competitive advantage.
As the new decade has just begun, it is time to accept new challenges and create our opportunities. Every project manager should learn not only to be survivors but be warriors and seize every opportunity that presents itself. The three essential skills of Communication, Leadership and Adaptability can act as a catalyst for a project manager to grow both professionally and personally.
—Sameer Nandan Menda
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