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Skills That Project Managers Need
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Let us consider some of the skills a project manager needs. The following are not only considered as skills but can more likely be referred to as a set of values that need to be displayed by the project manager.
Click here to view a video that explains the characteristics of good project managers.
Credibility
The PM needs both ethnical and administrative credibility. Technical credibility refers to the technical knowledge to direct the project. Although the PM does not need to have a high level of expertise, the stakeholders need to perceive the PM as a person with sufficient technical knowledge to successfully manage the project. Administrative credibility refers to the ability to perform various administrative responsibilities with apparently effortless skill. These responsibilities include, amongst others, keeping the project on schedule and within budget constraints and reporting on project progress on a regular basis.
Leadership
The PM needs to possess various leadership qualities to effectively manage the team members. Enthusiasm, optimism, energy, tenacity and courage must be part of the PM’s attitude and behaviour in leading the team members. The PM has to know and believe in the vision, share it with the stakeholders and bring the vision to life. The PM as leader must influence the stakeholders positively through effective communications and by being visible (being available for the stakeholders, especially in times of crisis). Taking all this into consideration, it is apparent that the PM also needs to be a great motivator.
Sensitivity
The PM has to be politically sensitive: in his dealings and negotiations with various stakeholders, he needs to sense the feelings; priorities; agendas and personal objectives of the individuals involved and keep everybody happy without jeopardizing the successful achievement of the project. The PM also needs to sense interpersonal conflict on the project team or between team members and outsiders. Rivalries, jealousies, friendships and hostilities are issues the PM needs to deal with. The PM also has to sense when somebody is trying to cover-up failures. In this sense, technical sensitivity comes to play.
Management skills
Not only is the PM a leader, but also a manager. The PM needs to be a competent problem-solver; decision-maker; communicator; entrepreneur; planner; organizer; controller and facilitator. These “soft skills” are essential attributes of a successful PM.