Project Leadership’s Post

Many factors contribute to project success; one of the most important is the effectiveness of the project manager. The investigation discussed in this paper reveals that a static list of project manager skills and competencies may not most effectively reflect the skills and competencies that will be most important for them on projects. This is particularly relevant because projects have differing characteristics and are delivered in a changing business environment, and different combinations of skills and competencies may be most important. The study showed that the most important project manager skills and competencies change significantly when the project characteristics and the project environment change. Specifically, the top five most important skills and competencies for project managers are very different when a project has a particular characteristic, such as being very large or having a high level of risk. Because these changes to the key project characteristics of projects impact the skills and competencies associated with effective leadership, a list of elements for most effective project manager leadership cannot be static. Overall, these findings show that the ways in which project manager skills and competencies are presented in literature is limited. They further indicate that to be the most effective leader, the project manager requires a changing mix of skills and competencies, depending on the project being delivered. The results also show that the work of the project manager may not consistently be a good fit with the skills and competencies viewed as most important for project manager success. While there was some overlap between the most important project manager skills and competencies from the general list, when compared with the most important work of project managers, research participants indicated surprise at the apparent gaps. According to literature, project leadership is becoming more important to the field of project management. As noted, Kotter (2001) stated that while management is about effectively dealing with complexity, leadership involves dealing with change. The nature of projects is changing—becoming larger, more complex, having heterogeneous teams and greater uncertainty—as they are becoming more prevalent. In this context, it is increasingly important to have a clear idea of the work involved to deliver projects successfully, and knowledge of the best combination of skills and competencies for the project manager to be most effective.

What History Teaches Us About Impactful Project Management Project management has roots that stretch deep into history. From the construction of the Great Wall of China to the Apollo moon landings, successful project management has driven some of humanity’s most impressive achievements and provides valuable lessons for modern practitioners. However, in today’s dynamic environment, leaders are often tasked with driving initiatives that may not be explicitly labelled as projects but demand the same skill set as traditional project management. Project management is not confined to a particular sector but is a fundamental skillset for all leaders and managers. Whether leading a team, department or organisation, the ability to plan, execute and deliver projects effectively is essential for driving innovation, achieving strategic objectives and fostering organisational success. Read our deep-dive below exploring historical examples of impactful project management and extrapolates lessons that can be applied to contemporary practices. Learn more about IMI's Impactful Project Management with James Louttit here: https://lnkd.in/dT7swQU8

Planning in project management is indeed an art, blending creativity with precision. ⏺️ It involves envisioning the end goal, breaking it down into manageable tasks, and orchestrating resources effectively. ⏺️ A skilled planner anticipates challenges, adjusts timelines, and ensures smooth execution. Like a master painter, they craft a roadmap that navigates the project from conception to completion, balancing constraints and aspirations with finesse. ⏺️ Successful planning lays the foundation for successful projects.

Are you accepting project management (or project) failure? Recently, I shared this phrase handwritten via a post here on LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/gBbHGbVj. That post generated many comments and views. One takeaway from those comments was about the word “predetermined.” The challenge is, can we predetermine success? Well, It depends on how you read or understand “predetermined.” Some view it as a guarantee. In that case, we cannot predetermine success since no one can guarantee it. However, our intent of this word is to emphasize the need for executives and project teams to consciously and consistently think of success instead of wishing or hoping for success. When we wish or hope for success, we might accept failure or less-than-optimal performance and settle for completion as success. At Uruk Project Management, we want to change the paradigm from accepting failure to achieving success, which starts with our intentional determination. Accordingly, predetermined consists of three things: 1) Establishing a solid business case for the change initiative (project or program). 2) A sound business case is insufficient. We must conduct a proper feasibility study. A feasibility study helps an organization determine if it can successfully deliver the change initiative and realize the anticipated benefits. If in doubt, the project should be stopped. Side note: in the Uruk Platform, we have a stage gate after step 1 (business case) and another stage gate after step 2 (feasibility study). The reason for these steps and the stage gates is to ensure proper governance. 3) We decided to move forward; what is next? Could we define the success criteria? Without well-defined and quantitative (where possible) criteria, success is subjective to opinion-based assessment. Accordingly, we recommend using the Uruk Way Four Dimensions of Project Success (https://lnkd.in/gWSWM9_F) and establishing the criteria for all four dimensions early on in the project. Here is a relevant video: https://lnkd.in/gWSWM9_F.

The success of any project hinges on effective management. But even the most experienced project managers can make mistakes. In this post, we exploree 6 pitfalls that can derail your projects, along with practical strategies to avoid them. By implementing these tips, you can ensure your projects stay on track, meet deadlines, and deliver the desired outcomes. Which of these mistakes have you made before and how do you avoid them now?

In the realm of project management, the perception of success is absolutely mutable. When the objectives of a project are not clear, visible, and known, the success or failure of any project is not an absolute verdict but a snapshot subject to the specific moment of its evaluation. In contexts where objectives are not crystallized, which often occurs, this perception is constant and amplified in the vision of each stakeholder. Organizations (falsely) cunning often proclaim triumphs based on arbitrarily selected time frames or easily manipulable relative outcomes. A project may appear to be an undisputed success in the short term, only to crumble under the scrutiny of a more extended temporal lens. This transformation is not rare, but a consequence of the lack of clarity in long-term objectives. On the other hand, some projects initially labeled as failures reveal unexpectedly valuable secondary effects over time. These projects, often dismissed or even forgotten, can sprout into indirect benefits, cultivating value that is only recognized in hindsight.

Elevate Your Project Management Game with These 5 Habits! Effective project managers possess key habits that drive success. From being proactive to embracing open communication, these habits can supercharge your career. How do you measure up? Check out the top habits in our latest article! #ProjectManagement #EffectiveHabits #CareerSuccess #OpenCommunication

Article: "Common Mistakes To Avoid As A Rookie Project Manager" After reading this article from the Forbes Technology Council, I couldn't agree more with each point that highlights the critical importance of clear communication, stakeholder understanding, and continuous learning in project management. I particularly appreciate the emphasis on prioritizing people and leadership skills alongside technical competencies. It's a reminder that successful project management goes beyond tools and methodologies. As a Project Manager, I've made some mistakes. I see them as valuable learning opportunities for continuous improvement. I apply these lessons in my practice and continue to learn and grow as a project leader. Another crucial aspect of avoiding mistakes is self-awareness. I’m always working on my self-awareness because by recognizing my limitations, I can seek support where needed and leverage my strengths to drive project success. Additionally, as the driving force behind the project, the project manager's attitude influences team morale, motivation, and commitment steering the project toward success. Maintaining a positive attitude is key. With self-awareness, attitude, and communication, it is possible to avoid so many mistakes in projects, overcome obstacles, and achieve remarkable outcomes. Let's talk more about it. What do you do to avoid mistakes in your projects?

What are common misconceptions about project managment? Let’s look at a couple of these myths which can sometimes hinder effective project execution : Change is always bad: While change can be risky, it’s not inherently negative. Adaptation is crucial for project success. Identifying beneficial changes and understanding their impact is key. Project management is only for big projects: This is a common myth. Project management applies to any size project, whether it’s a large-scale factory construction or a smaller endeavor. Project management is only for technical projects: Not true! Project management is relevant for both technical (like software development) and non-technical projects (such as planning a wedding). Customers are always right: While customer satisfaction matters, blindly adhering to this adage can lead to problems. Balancing customer needs with project constraints is essential. Process trumps people: A misconception! Effective project management involves both well-defined processes and skilled team members working together. Remember, successful project management requires a holistic approach that considers people, processes, and adaptability. 🌟 Have a great week ahead.