Podcast
Questions and Answers
Match each project manager role with its corresponding description:
Match each project manager role with its corresponding description:
Planner = Ensures the project is defined properly and completely for success, all stakeholders are engaged. Organizer = Determines the complete work effort for the project using work breakdown, estimating, and scheduling techniques. Point Man = Serves as the central point-of-contact for all oral and written project communications. Facilitator = Ensures that stakeholders and team members understand each other and work together to accomplish the project goals.
Match each skill category for project managers with its example:
Match each skill category for project managers with its example:
Project Management Fundamentals = Proficiency in using project management software. Business Management Skills = Expertise in budgeting, finance, and procurement. Technical Knowledge = Experience and competence in the specific area of the project. Communication Skills = Active listening and effective written correspondence.
Match the quality of a successful project manager with its description:
Match the quality of a successful project manager with its description:
Takes Ownership = Takes responsibility and accountability for the project, leading by example. Savvy = Understands people and the dynamics of the organization, navigating tricky politics. Intensity with a Smile = Balances an assertive focus with a style that makes people want to help. Eye of the Storm = Demonstrates ability to be the calm center during project crises.
Match each common mistake made by project managers with its potential consequence:
Match each common mistake made by project managers with its potential consequence:
Match the project role with its function in protecting the project or team:
Match the project role with its function in protecting the project or team:
Match the communication role with its specific function:
Match the communication role with its specific function:
Match the personal qualities with how they contribute to a project's success:
Match the personal qualities with how they contribute to a project's success:
Match the technical and business skills with their benefits to the project.
Match the technical and business skills with their benefits to the project.
Match project management responsibilities with actions of successful project managers:
Match project management responsibilities with actions of successful project managers:
Match the project oversight responsibilities with the actions a project manager takes:
Match the project oversight responsibilities with the actions a project manager takes:
Flashcards
Planner (Project Manager Role)
Planner (Project Manager Role)
Ensures the project is well-defined, stakeholders are engaged, and processes are in place for control.
Point Man (Project Manager Role)
Point Man (Project Manager Role)
The central communications hub for all project-related matters.
Business Management Skills
Business Management Skills
Skill in budgeting, finance, and team development, crucial for managers.
Communication Skills
Communication Skills
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Leadership Skills
Leadership Skills
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Takes Ownership (Quality of PM)
Takes Ownership (Quality of PM)
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Savvy (Quality of PM)
Savvy (Quality of PM)
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Keeps "eye on the ball"
Keeps "eye on the ball"
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Mistake: Misalignment w/Objectives
Mistake: Misalignment w/Objectives
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Mistake: Inadequate Risk Management
Mistake: Inadequate Risk Management
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Study Notes
- A project manager has numerous activities, challenges, and responsibilities throughout a project's life cycle.
- Project managers need a common understanding of their roles and the necessary skills.
- Characteristics of effective project managers and common mistakes are highlighted.
Project Manager Roles
- Planner: Ensures the project is well-defined and stakeholders are engaged.
- Organizer: Uses techniques like work breakdown to determine project effort, sequence, and cost.
- Point Man: Serves as the main contact for project communications.
- Quartermaster: Ensures the project has needed resources and facilities.
- Facilitator: Helps stakeholders and team members from different backgrounds work together.
- Persuader: Gains stakeholder agreement on project definition and manages expectations.
- Problem-Solver: Uses analysis and experience to resolve technical issues.
- The Umbrella: Shields the team from politics to maintain focus.
- Coach: Defines team roles and motivates members, improving skills and providing feedback.
- The Bulldog: Follows up to ensure commitments are met and issues are resolved.
- Librarian: Manages project information, communications, and documentation.
- Insurance Agent: Identifies risks and develops responses in advance.
- The Police Officer: Measures progress, develops corrective actions, and reviews quality.
- Salesman: Sells the project's benefits to the organization and inspires the team.
Key Skills for Project Managers
- Project Management Fundamentals: Includes basic software skills and project management knowledge.
- Business Management Skills: Encompasses budgeting, finance, and team-related skills.
- Technical Knowledge: Expertise in the project's specific area, enhancing effectiveness.
- Communication Skills: Includes written, oral, facilitation, and active listening skills.
- Actively listening is a secret weapon of project managers.
- Leadership Skills: Encompasses interpersonal and analytical skills, adaptability, and customer orientation.
Qualities of Successful Project Managers
- The specific combination of skills required varies depending on the project size and nature.
- Successful project managers excel in 2 key skill categories and adequately staff the rest.
- Successful project managers avoid common mistakes.
- Takes Ownership: Demonstrates accountability; leads by example.
- Savvy: Navigates organizational dynamics and politics.
- Intensity with a Smile: Balances assertiveness with a desire to help.
- Eye of the Storm: Remains calm under pressure.
- Strong customer-service orientation: Understands stakeholder perspectives.
- People-focused: Values team-oriented approaches.
- Always keeps “eye on the ball”: Stays focused on project goals.
- “Controlled passion”: Maintains balance and perspective.
- Healthy paranoia: Questions and verifies everything.
- Context understanding: Understands the project's priority.
- Looking for trouble: Proactively identifies potential issues.
Common Mistakes of Project Managers
- Not aligning projects with organizational objectives.
- Poorly managing stakeholder expectations.
- Lack of buy-in on project goals.
- Unrealistic schedules.
- Lack of clarity in roles and responsibilities.
- Poor change control.
- Ineffective communication.
- Failure to execute the plan.
- Ignoring early risks.
- Inadequate risk management.
- Not using the right resources.
- Failure to pursue issue resolution.
- Inadequate requirements definition.
- Insufficient team leadership.
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