One key trait of successful project managers is their ability to challenge inherited wisdom. This means they’re not afraid to ask questions and suggest alternative solutions when they feel something isn’t working as well as it could be. They’re not content to do things as they have always been; instead, they look for ways to improve and make the project more efficient and effective.
Another essential trait of successful project managers is their ability to listen respectfully to others. “When you first start working on a project, it is crucial to take the time to listen to the ideas and concerns of everyone involved. Doing so can gain their respect and trust, and you might even learn something new that can help you make better decisions as the project progresses.”
Being relentless also means being willing to make hard calls. “As a project manager, you might not always make friends with everyone on the project team, but your job is to get the project done on time and within budget. This may require making tough decisions that not everyone agrees with, but staying focused on the end goal is your responsibility.”
One way that project managers can be relentless is by turning themselves ‘red’. This means that they’re not afraid to raise issues and risks that could impact the project, even if it means admitting that there’s a problem. By doing so, they can bring attention to these issues and work with the team to develop solutions to address them.
Being a successful project manager requires a relentless dedication to the project and the team working on it. This means challenging inherited wisdom, listening respectfully to others, making hard calls, and not being afraid to turn yourself red when necessary. With these traits and a strong focus on the end goal, you can ensure the success of your projects and earn the respect of your team and stakeholders.
