Getting into the project management field can be both exciting and daunting for a new project manager. There is a lot to take in and a lot to learn and all of your technical and people skills will be put to the test.
To help you get started on your journey towards being top of your field, we have put together a list of handy tips and tricks that will set you apart from your peers.
1. Become a master communicator
A large part of the challenge of project management is good communication among your team and stakeholders. It is critical to a project’s success, so you need to build those communication skills. The fundamental aspect of good communication is the ability to listen well, understand people and engage, using all of your emotional intelligence skills. Listening and engaging early on with your team is a great way to build loyalty and will take you a long way in building relationships.
2. Be a part of your team
Your team is the most important tool you have for project success. Without them there is no project, so utilise their skills appropriately and make sure their efforts are appreciated. You may think that problems with projects are yours to solve alone, but a better approach is to leverage your team to come up with the best possible solutions. Be transparent and allow your team to come forward with problems – then work together towards the answer.
3. Be a problem solver
Projects have challenges. Some projects have larger challenges than others but it is a given fact that every project will face hurdles at some time or another. As a beginner you may be eager to jump right into getting a project started, but a big part of problem solving is identifying potential issues before they arise. And when problems do come up, assess them critically and work with your team if necessary to find the best possible way forward.
4. Get to know your tools – and don’t be a slave to them
Projects involve a lot of processes. And it is important to know these tools well in order to get the most out of them. But it’s equally as important not to lose sight of the end goal of the project and put too much stock in one practice or tool. If a process is not working, you need to be willing and able to acknowledge it and adjust accordingly. Be flexible.
5. Get qualified
A qualification can be a great addition to your project management career. Not only can it provide you with new skills and processes, but it could also open the doors for opportunities that might not have been available before. If you have the time and support, additional learning is always a good way to go.