Hallmarks of a Project Leader
What makes a good project manager? What makes a great project leader?
In this guest post for ESI International, Martin Webster shares what he believes are four essential hallmarks of a project leader, and introduces some critical skills, thinking and behaviours for leading projects.
By and large it is our failures that civilise us. Our successes merely confirm our bad habits. – Clive James
Now, before I begin, I think it is important to characterise the project leader and project manager.
Why?
Because change is the province of leadership and projects are a means of change.
Managing business change is tough. It’s tough because change is about people. Some people will support the project manager whereas others will actively sabotage your endeavours.
Inevitably things won’t go to plan and tensions will rise. People start to question outcomes or behave unpredictably. Barriers go up and people pass blame. The only certainty is no one can be relied upon to keep their integrity.
This is the territory in which the project manager operates. And, it is the project manager who has to hold things together and negotiate through the conflict.
This calls for leadership. While good planning and a good project schedule help, it is project leadership that creates the right conditions for success.
So, let’s take a look at four essential hallmarks of the project leader.
1. The Art and Practise of Learning
Want to read more? Then visit the PM Perspectives Blog and read the complete article by Martin Webster. You’ll learn that project management is tough. And, you’ll learn about the 4 essential hallmarks of the project manager.
Creative Commons image courtesy Mat Price.