How to Become a Better Project Manager?

Being a Project Manager can be a really tough job. From meeting with the big bosses down to handling your subordinates to solving problems and meeting deadlines, this type of work really entails you being mentally, physically and skillfully strong. You may be a good PM at the moment, but how do you intend to improve your skills in such a way that whatever project is thrown at you, you’re confident that you can always pull it off because you know that you have very strong core competencies. You know that you are built upon a strong foundation – like that of a skyscraper. You also know that your skills are not based on what you do but based on who you are as a project manager. So how does one BECOME (not what do you need to do to be) a better Project Manager?

• Be friends with TIME.

We all have 24 hours in a day. Whether you are Beyoncé or the President of the United States or the waiter at a Japanese Restaurant, we all have equal time. And with Project Management, it’s either time is your enemy or it can be your best friend. And the way you do this is be aware of how you and your subordinates are consuming the time. Use the Pareto Principle of 80/20 wherein 80% of the results come from 20% of the causes to improve not just your productivity but also the productivity of the people under you. Treat your time as your ally not your enemy. Deadlines can be really dreading and stressful for everyone but if you keep in mind this principle and be more strategic in how you and your team use your time, you’ll not only be able to meet your targets according to the timeline but also, this will earn your boss’s trust. Not to mention that your team would gladly be working with you because you’re not the toxic manager type (if you know what I mean. *wink).

• Be like a WATER.

A Project Manager not only has to deal with a lot of problems to solve, but also has to deal with a lot of people too. From the bossy superiors down to the project team who complains a lot about the job, it seems like everyone’s concern is on your shoulders too and all of this can be overwhelming for you. Just remember to be like that of a water. Follow the shape of the container which means be flexible. Now this might sound cheesy for you, but the magic of mirroring someone can actually bring greater results to what you’re trying to achieve. When you’re talking to your Superiors, mirror them. Act and talk like them. Show them you have power too. But do not overpower them. If you are talking to your subordinates, put yourself in their shoes and be able to understand where they are coming from. This allows you to be able to think a win-win solution for everyone. Who doesn’t like less stress?

• Be a Problem- Solver

Yes, you’ll eat problems for breakfast and dinner and sometimes midnight snacks too. But EMBRACE it! It’s the only way you can cope up with the stress. Trust yourself that you are innately a problem-solver. Look at them in different angles and perspectives. Treat problems like it’s something that would help you grow as an individual, that it will you stretch and push yourself to the limits, that it will help you function and become a better Project Manager every day. And whenever there’s a glitch, a struggle, a difficulty, remember that are always solutions.

• Be a Good Communicator

To say that communication in handling a project is important, is actually an understatement. It is in fact a MUST! You are the bridge between the Gods and the humans. And your job is to be the angel who brings the message clearly so that everyone get things done within the timeframe. (please tell me you’re getting the metaphor)

• Be Addicted to Growth

“People who stop growing, are already dying” That’s from T. Harv Eker, one of the renowned motivational speakers and author. Most people end their education when they have received that precious diploma. But definitely not the person who thrives for growth and excellence. Successful people don’t stop learning. Every day they strive to learn new things. This may be in the form of experience, or reading a book or perhaps enrolling yourself to a Project Management Course. This could actually help you enhance your skills and be certified by a strong organization. This not only make your resume look good, but it also secures the trust of the people who hired you that you can really do the job. And when you’re certified, chances are more projects will be given to you.

• Be bold, ride the wave

This might sound like number 5 but here I want to talk more about how being certified by a world renown organization like Project Management Institute (PMI). If you haven’t heard about them or doesn’t really understand what it is PMI let me tell you more about them. PMI was founded in 1969 that aims to help project managers advance careers, improve organizational success and further mature the profession of project management through our globally recognized standards, certifications, resources, tools, academic research, publications, professional development courses and networking opportunities. They conduct Project Management Professional Exam (PMP Exam) to certify Project Managers who pass. To prepare most various training center offers PMP Exam Training. With this I say be wise and look for not only the most budget friendly but also the most capable centers with preferably a PMI certified trainer and good PMI training course outline. Go get take that exam and be a better Project Manager for yourself and for your people!