Project managers can be invaluable strategic partners, but there are also many who are only interested in making a quick buck while providing little or no support. A talented and effective project manager is an entirely different character — someone who can lead by example, create a cohesive team, and help you maximize your return on investment. Here are the most important characteristics to look out for:
#1. Strategic thinking
There’s a lot more to being an effective project manager than technical skills alone. The best project managers also provide a significant advantage to your business by bringing a high-level strategic leadership role to the table. Given the many variables that can disrupt a technology project, such as compliance restrictions, remote work issues, incompatibilities, or cybersecurity challenges, project managers need to be able to look at the bigger picture.
#2. Solid teamwork
No project can succeed without rock-solid leadership that fosters strong collaboration among all concerned. An effective IT project manager is someone who forges relationships with strong team-building skills. With so many facets to consider in most IT projects, a project manager should be able to work efficiently with others by focusing on positive traits and exploring different points of view.
#3. Motivational speaking
The best project managers must be able to inspire key stakeholders, keeping them feeling positive even when there are delays or unforeseen issues. They understand how moods, actions, and demeanors can affect a project. When everything is going well and people are happy, project managers keep track of the details to make sure they don’t miss anything. When something goes wrong, they’re there to help everyone overcome it with positive thinking.
#4. Ability to delegate
Given the enormous complexities of modern business, a diverse range of skills is needed to ensure every process goes as smoothly as possible. Even the best project leaders can’t possibly claim to hold all the necessary skills; thus, they should be able to delegate tasks. Good project managers can recognize their coworkers’ positive traits and skills, and they recognize that people work better when they are given clear roles.
#5. High accountability
Aside from aligning your technology with specific business objectives, project managers also need to make sure your data is kept secure during the process. As such, they have a high degree of accountability. And they must hold everyone involved in the project accountable for their performance, too. Good project managers make sure they set expectations right at the start.
#6. Industry expertise
Naturally, it’s imperative for IT project managers to be experts in technology; however, they should also have a good understanding of your industry. Your project manager must have a clear understanding of your business problem as well as your technical problem. For example, if your project is subject to specific compliance regulations, then your project manager must also be familiar with them. If not, he or she should be prepared to research about them.
#7. Prepared for setbacks
IT projects can be a huge burden for in-house staff and contractors alike, especially when they end up dragging on for much longer than originally anticipated. That’s why it’s so important to take a proactive approach and prepare for setbacks in advance. A good project manager also remains calm under pressure and focuses on priority tasks to be able to deliver results.
Online Computers provides highly effective project managers to assist your business with tasks of varying complexities. Call us today to tell us about your project.
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