What Project Managers Do
When we recognize the role of the Project Manager (vis-ö-vis the Functional
Manager) we can readily see why this takes a special set of skills and conditions.
Here are some of the Key "People" Things that a project
manager must do:
- Identify stakeholders and their definition of project success
- Get all key players on the project team
- Manage responsibility interfaces
- Question blurry responsibilities
- Clarify delegation levels
- Act as a catalyst, and when necessary, be a devil's advocate
- Manage conflicts
And here are some of the more "Traditional" Things a
project manager must do
- Promote effective communication and wide participation in decision making
- Balance project objectives with other corporate objectives
- Balance needs of project, client, and organization
- Manage task interfaces
- Clearly identify task completion
- Communicate task completion
Obviously, we cannot take it for granted that any senior person or even any
manager will have the skills and temperament for project management. Some of
these skills can be learned, but many important qualifications are embedded in
a person's personality. Unless we recognize that project management is a distinct
discipline, requiring a special set of skills and capabilities, we cannot expect
to implement a successful project management function in the enterprise. And
until we recognize that these skills must be located in a structured function,
with dedicated and empowered leadership, any project management skills that are
available will flounder like a ship without a rudder.
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Problems Without a CPO
