How To Become A Better Project Manager? Top 10 Tips

To understand the role of a project manager, you must know that whether it is launching a new software or breaking the next revenue record, every little aspect of a business goes through a stringent process called project management. 

Project management is an integral function in any growth-oriented organization. It can make or break a project, and it’s essential to have someone skilled in this area. Like a maestro for musicians, a good project manager is required for all team members to take the business to greater heights. 

What Are The Qualities Of A Good Project Manager?

Managing a project from the beginning takes a lot of skill, focus, and dedication. The best managers possess several qualities that allow them to steer their teams toward success.

Some of the most important qualities of a good project manager are:

Effective Communication

Communication is the bedrock of a strong and thriving team. The ability to communicate effectively is one of many superpowers of a good project manager. A project manager must be able to establish a robust communication channel with all members of the team, as well as with upper management. They must be able to explain the goals and objectives of the project, as well as any changes that need to be made.

Strategic Thinking 

A great manager can the big picture and develops a strategy for their team that will lead to the successful completion of the project. Being able to think strategically is a critical skill for project managers. Strategic thinking in project management entails being able to develop a plan that will take into account all of the different variables involved in the project.

Healthy Leadership

Leadership is often confused with being a boss. As managers, they should possess healthy leadership skills that motivate and inspire their team members to do their best work. Taking tough decisions and handling conflicts are also important parts of a project manager’s job. A leader in a project management role must drive team members toward a direction that is in the best interest of the project, even if it means making despised decisions.

Organizational Skills

Without exemplary organization, the project will shatter like lego pieces in no time. A good project manager must be able to keep track of all aspects of the project and make sure that everything is on schedule. They must also be able to delegate tasks to team members and make sure that they are completed promptly.

Problem Solving Skills

During every phase of the project, a manager will be thrown an abundance of troubles and conflicts that will test their patients and skills. An efficient manager must also have strong problem-solving skills to keep the project going. They must be able to identify problems early on and come up with solutions quickly. They must also be able to work well under pressure and handle unexpected challenges.

An Inspiring Figure

The manager of any project should be an inspiring figure instead of a scary and loathed representation. They must be someone that team members look up to and respect. A good project manager should be able to provide guidance and support when needed, but also know when to step back and let their team members take the lead.

Stay Realistic

They should set achievable goals for their team and themselves, only then a project can move toward its fruition. A manager should also be honest about the project’s status and objectives, and not try to hide any problems. A good manager must also be able to accept criticism and learn from their mistakes.

Flexibility At Par

With all the above qualities, flexibility will come naturally to any professional managing a vital project. There will be times when the project will need to change course, and a manager must be able to adapt quickly. They must also be open to new ideas and ways of doing things.

If you want to become a better project manager, then you must work on developing these qualities. There are many resources available that can help you improve your skills in these areas. Additionally, it is also important to get experience working on projects so that you can learn from your mistakes and successes.

Also Read: Fundamentals of Project Management Explained

Want to discover the ins and outs of project management?

Take a quick detour to our Advanced Certificate in Operations, Supply Chain, and Project Management. 

What Does It Take to Become A Project Manager?

A project manager is responsible for the successful execution and delivery of projects. To become one, you will need to have certain qualifications and skills. Some of the qualifications that you will need include:

• Get Certified: Getting certified as a project manager from a recognised institution is one of the best ways to show employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to be a successful manager.
• Develop Leadership skills: As a project manager, you will need to be able to lead and motivate your team. You should try to develop your leadership skills by taking on leadership roles in your organization or community.
• Gain Experience: One of the best ways to gain the experience that you need to become a project manager is to work on projects in your current organization. You can also volunteer for projects in your community or take on freelance projects.
• Network: Connecting with other project managers is a great way to learn about the industry and find job opportunities. You can connect with other project managers through professional organizations or online communities.

If you have the qualifications and skills that are required, then it’s your cue to start working towards becoming a project manager. Check out this Project Management Masters Program today!

What Is The Scope For A Project Manager Today?

Before stepping into a career, we all have a common apprehension, i.e., is it worth it? Is project management worth your time and skills?

Well, the answer, in this case, would be a big fat yes. 

89% of global organisations now embrace the perks of project management. 71% of project managers believe that their value as a professional has increased over the last few years. – The State Of Project Management, Report By Wellington

The project management role is constantly evolving. As the business realm changes, so do the need for project managers. To stay ahead of the curve, project managers need to learn and adapt their skillset continuously. Hence, the scope for a project manager today is very vast.

There are many different avenues that a project manager can explore to become better at their job. One of the most important things a manager can do is to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in project management. This means reading industry news, blogs, and books, attending conferences, and taking courses.

Start with our Advanced Certificate in Operations, Supply Chain, and Project Management to get certified and brush up on your skills.

Find out our PMP Training in Top Cities/Countries

What Does A Project Manager Do?

A project manager is liable for the planning, execution, and delivery of a project. They work with a team of people to ensure that every aspect of the project is completed on time and within budget. A project manager also has to communicate with stakeholders, sponsors, and clients to keep in line with the project’s progress.

Roles & Responsibilities of Project Manager

Resource Planning 

The role of the project manager starts with ensuring that the resources required for the execution of a project are available when they are needed. It involves planning for and acquiring the necessary human, financial, material, and information resources and ensuring they are used effectively.

An essential part of resource planning is creating a schedule that outlines when each task will be completed and who will be responsible for completing it. This schedule forms the basis for monitoring progress and determining whether the project is on track. If changes to the schedule are needed, the project manager is responsible for making them.

Another key component of resource planning in project management is identifying any risks that could impact the availability or effectiveness of resources. 

For example, if a key team member falls ill or leaves the company, this could jeopardise the project’s success. The project manager needs to have contingency plans to deal with such eventualities.

Organising Team

The project manager overlooks the direction, coordination, implementation, executive control and completion of a project while aligning with the organisation’s strategy, commitments and goals.

A successful project manager also needs to possess outstanding communication and interpersonal skills to liaise effectively with all project stakeholders. They will need to be able to establish a strong working relationship both internally and externally. Furthermore, they should have excellent organisational skills to multitask simultaneously and keep track of progress on the project.

In specific roles and responsibilities, the Project Manager is responsible for leading and motivating the project team, ensuring that objectives are met and deliverables are of high quality. They will also need to monitor progress against milestones and budget, identify risks and issues early on, and implement mitigation plans accordingly. In addition, they will be responsible for maintaining effective communication with all stakeholders throughout the project.

Also Read: Project Manager Salary in India: 2023 Insights

Delegating Work 

A project manager must be responsible for ensuring that a project is completed on time, within the stipulated budget, and to the required quality standard. They are also responsible for delegating work to their team members and ensuring everyone knows their roles and responsibilities.

As a project manager, you have to delegate work effectively to get the best results from your team. When delegating work, you should consider the skills and experience of each team member and assign tasks accordingly. It is also essential to ensure that everyone understands their role in the project and what they need to achieve.

Effective delegation can be the key to successful project management. Assigning tasks based on skills and experience and ensuring that everyone understands their role makes it easier to ensure that your project runs smoothly and efficiently.

Time Management

Assuming the role of project manager comes with a great deal of responsibility. Not only are you responsible for completing the project within the decided time and budget, aligning with the required quality standards, but you are also liable for ensuring that all stakeholders are well-aware of the progress, risks and issues.

To be successful, you should possess strong time management skills. It means effectively planning, scheduling and monitoring project activities and promptly identifying and resolving potential issues.

Developing Project Budget

The significant role of the project manager is to determine that the project is completed within the budget. The project manager will create the budget and ensure all costs are accounted for. This includes materials, labour, overhead and any other costs associated with the project. The project manager must also track spending throughout the project and adjust the budget as needed.

Creating a budget is not always easy, especially when estimating costs for a new project. There are different ways to create a budget, but the most important thing is accuracy. You must have a good understanding of your material and labour costs before you can begin estimating your overhead costs. Once you have an accurate picture of your total costs, you can start working on your budget.

Monitoring & Tracking Progress 

The project manager has to monitor and track the progress of your project at all stages. It includes setting milestones and objectives, monitoring performance against these targets, and taking corrective action where necessary.

As a project manager, the key role is to monitor and track progress. This involves setting up systems and processes to track progress against milestones and objectives and then using this information to identify any areas where progress is lagging or issues are arising.

It is also important in project management to communicate this information to all relevant stakeholders so that they can know the project’s status and take appropriate action if necessary.

Establishing Vision 

A good project manager’s responsibility is establishing a clear perception of the project and ensuring that all team members are aware of and buy into this vision. It is also your role to ensure that everyone knows their roles and responsibilities within the project and that these are properly communicated to all concerned parties.

There are some important steps you can take to establish the vision for your project:

1. Define the goals of the project. What do you need to achieve? Be as specific as possible.
2. Communicate these goals to all members of the team. Make sure everyone knows what should be done to help achieve these goals.
3. Create a plan for how you will achieve these goals. This plan should be detailed and realistic and consider any potential obstacles or challenges you may face.
4. Share this plan with all team members so that everyone is well-aware of what must be done and when.
5. Keep everyone updated on your progress towards achieving these goals, and make sure that any changes or deviations from the original plan are communicated immediately. 

Managing Reports And Documentation

The role of a good project manager is to ensure that all reports and documentation related to the project are accurate and up to date. They are also accountable for ensuring that all project team members know their roles and responsibilities regarding reports and documentation.

Project managers should have an understanding of how to manage reports and documentation, as well as be able to communicate effectively with all members of the project team. They should also be able to identify any areas where improvements can be made.

Smart Tips To Become A Better Project Manager

If you’re looking to become a better project manager, there are a few key things you can do to improve your skills. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to become a better manager may vary depending on your circumstances. However, here are a few general tips that may help you improve your project management skills:

Define Goals And Priorities

One of the most important things you can do as a manager is to define clear goals and priorities for your projects. Without well-defined goals, it can be difficult to effectively manage a project and keep everyone on track. When setting goals, be sure to make them specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). It not only helps in terms of being able to track progress but can also motivate team members to achieve results.

Communicate Effectively

Effective communication is indispensable in project management. It’s essential to be able to communicate clearly with your team members, as well as other stakeholders involved in the project. This includes being able to listen effectively, as well as provide timely and accurate updates on the project’s status. To communicate effectively, it’s also important to use the right communication channels for each situation. For example, a face-to-face conversation may be best for delicate or difficult topics, while email or instant messaging may be more suitable for quick updates or simple questions.

Develop Consistent Scoping And Estimating Processes

Another important aspect of being a successful project manager is having consistent scoping and estimating processes. This means having a clear understanding of the work that needs to be done, as well as realistic expectations for how long it will take to complete. Having consistent processes in place makes it easier to track progress and ensure that projects stay on track. It can also help prevent scope creep, which can quickly derail a project if not kept in check.

Use Appropriate Tools And Resources

There are a variety of project management tools and resources available, and it’s important to use the ones that are most appropriate for your needs. For example, if you’re working on a large and complex project, you may need to use more sophisticated software than what would be necessary for a smaller and simpler project. Furthermore, there are also many helpful online resources available, such as project management templates and blog posts like this one. By taking advantage of these tools and resources, you can improve your efficiency and effectiveness as a project manager.

Delegate Work In Advance

Delegating work in advance will prove to be a boon for a successful manager. This means assigning tasks and responsibilities to team members before the start of the project. By doing this, you can avoid last-minute scrambles and ensure that everyone knows what they need to do from the outset. It also helps to prevent bottlenecks and other potential problems that can occur when work is not properly delegated.

Set Realistic And Honest Goals

As a manager, it’s important to set realistic and honest goals for all your projects. This means being realistic about what can be achieved within the given timeframe and resources, as well as being honest about any potential risks or challenges that may arise. By setting realistic and honest goals, you can better manage expectations and avoid disappointments down the line. Running behind unrealistic goals can take the project back delaying its completion and impacting its efficacy. 

Also Read: Understanding Project Selection And Its Importance

Keep Your Projects Organized

The organization is key for any project manager. This includes maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of all project activities, as well as keeping track of deadlines, milestones, and deliverables. Furthermore, it’s also important to have a system in place for storing and sharing project files and other relevant information. By keeping your projects organized, you can improve your efficiency and effectiveness, as well as avoid potential problems.

Think Hard And Work Smarter

It’s important to think hard and work smarter, not harder. This means taking the time to plan and strategize, as well as being willing to put in the extra effort when necessary. Always use your efficient strategies to get things done quickly and seamlessly. However, it’s also important to know when to stop working and take a break. By thinking hard and working smarter, you can improve your chances of success as a project manager.

Keep Your Team Together

A great manager’s job is not only to get the work done but also to keep the team together. This means maintaining good communication and interpersonal relationships with all team members. Furthermore, it’s also important to provide support and motivation, as well as resolve any conflicts that may arise. By keeping your team together, you can steer the project toward success and achieve project goals in time.

Always Have A Backup

No matter how well you plan and prepare, there will always be the possibility of unforeseen circumstances that could potentially jeopardize your project. This is why it’s important to always have a backup plan in place. By having a backup plan, you can minimize the impact of these possible problems and ensure that your project stays on track.

The above are some important tips on how to become a better project manager. By following these tips, you can improve your skills and abilities, as well as increase your chances of success in managing projects. 

Remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, so be sure to tailor your approach according to the specific needs of each project. With some practice, you’ll become more confident and skilled in managing projects of all types and sizes.

And if you’re ever feeling stuck or need additional help, don’t hesitate to opt-in for our Advanced Certificate in Operations, Supply Chain, and Project Management which will provide you with a deeper insight into the roles and responsibilities of not only a project manager but operational manager and supply chain manager as well. We have merged all three vital managerial courses into one powerful certificate program to provide everything under one roof.  

More Information: 

Considering Project management as a career? Everything You Need To Know

PERT in Project Management: Know The Essential Concepts

Key Characteristics Of Project Management: Know Essential Pointers

Project Planning: Importance, Tools and Fundamentals