A project manager, quite simply defined, is an individual who is responsible for the entire project. He or she is not responsible for completing every task. Indeed, it is unlikely that the manager would even have every skill needed to complete all the work. He or she is simply the final decision maker. This person will usually be considered responsible for the success or failure of a project, unless other reasons for the outcome are blatantly obvious.

What skills, then, are actually needed by a successful manager? One critical skill is that of being an effective team leader. An inquiring mind is also quite a useful asset. One must be capable of gathering information from necessary sources, and to quickly organize the information to successfully make predictions and good business decisions. All these skills are needed to plan and implement a project. An extensive amount of planning and evaluation is necessary. Those who do not plan and schedule very well should consider another career.  Moreover, because a manager sometimes must share the plan with customers and persuade them that the idea is a good one, he or she also requires excellent presentation skills.

After decisions have been made, the manager needs the vision and impartiality regarding the overall progress of the plan, makes necessary adjustments, and keeps the team motivated and focused — while concurrently meeting budget and time constraints. To be decisive does not mean continuing to pursue a direction that is not working. Constant vigilance in quality assurance is integral to the success. Because quality is a product of teamwork, it needs to be incorporated in the planning and scheduling process of the overall project. Nearly all ineffective actions should be completely or almost completely eliminated through effective planning.

The project manager also must keep in mind project goals and to define a plan and manage change. Project goals, as well as plans for achieving them, must be developed. The processes must be managed without allowing the scope to range beyond project goals. Risks must be identified, and contingency plans must be available in case they are needed. Any changes in the scope of projects must be determined, costs estimated, and documented in writing with the client.

Evaluation of a team’s assets and liabilities is essential to good leadership. The good project manager will also be able to use this knowledge to achieve the most successful results from his or her team. Diplomacy combined successfully with assertiveness, rather than aggressiveness, is a useful combination of skills. Clear lines of communication to the team and among team members are important. It should be noted that, while maintaining the schedule is the manager’s responsibility, team members should have input into developing this schedule.

The Project Management Institute, or PMI, was created in 1969. The intent of this organization was to ensure successful project managers attained necessary skills to be successful. Therefore, in 1981, the directors created standards and guidelines for this career path. Known as the PMBOK, this is a guide for the body of knowledge for project management. Reviewed often, this authority should be studied by those who desire to pursue a successful career as a project manager.

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