Project managers are responsible for project delivery and consequently are uniquely placed to make a positive or negative impact. Whilst understanding project management methodologies, tools and techniques is important, the critical test is being able to apply them in practice. This is where leadership skills and behaviours become critical -- as the project manager leads the project team to meet the objectives.
Project Manager Leadership Skills
The project manager must continuously develop effective leadership skills and employ them as needed during the project cycle. The visible expression of leadership skills for the project team and stakeholders is via leadership behaviours. These leadership behaviours are used as needed when building the project team as well as during the project lifecycle.
The following project phases are indicated with leadership styles and behaviours as a starting point for the project manager to consider for their approach with the stakeholders.
Project Initiation and Scope
Whilst the business case is being developed the project manager is often asked to explore what is possible and to define a high level plan with an indication of project costs. This is very much about making a contribution by meeting others' needs and removing their barriers -- servant leadership.
Project Planning
Take ownership and a task orientation towards project planning. Engage key stakeholders in a democratic, participative style to develop effective plans with accurate estimates. Identify the right people for the right role. Bureaucratically establish the project control mechanisms and the standards for the project team. Delegate as needed key components of the project such as:
- Business change management
- Test cycle
- Training
- Infrastructure deployment
Requirements and Analysis
Manage effective meetings and focus on people-orientation to ensure that awareness, engagement and positive support is built with a wider set of stakeholders. Consult with others as needed for decision-making using autocratic or democratic approaches as needed. Understand the impact of changes and lead by example with a clear view of the transformation required and engage people with that vision.
Build, Test, Delivery and Closure
Focus on task-orientation and leaving the project team to get things done. Use a laissez-faire approach but stay in touch and support people as needed. Ensure that multiple tasks, priorities and risks are effectively managed and clearly communicated. Take a bureaucratic approach to preparation for testing, deployment and closure, doing each stage properly -- producing the appropriate deliverables at the desired level of quality.
Project Management Leadership Skills
The project manager must develop their leadership skills and use leadership styles and behaviours as needed during the course of a project. Leadership is very much about getting things done through others and leaders must use a wide array of tools and techniques to fit the situation and the desired outcome. It is the same for project managers to deliver a successful project.
Roger Lever - Early career was in Treasury Banking and this led to my interest in financial investment, especially the stockmarket. Enjoy reading widely ...
