Project Management Competency: Practical Observations (Part 2)

 

As discussed, a project manager's personal risk acceptance is related to consultative leadership skills and trust-building skills.

The second significant area that a project manager needs to develop in order to gain competency is the ability to develop and maintain trustworthy relationships with stakeholders and sponsors. Trustworthy relationships are a critical part of being a successful project manager, and they entail a certain amount of risk. Trustworthy relationships go beyond the normal professional office relationship. They have a rapport, a bond and a courtesy that is deeper than a typical business relationship. According to Maister, Green & Galford in The Trusted Advisor, to develop trustworthy relationships an advisor must be able to demonstrate their "credibility, reliability, intimacy and a low concern for self." These are very applicable to project managers as well.

However, such relationships are not born overnight. They require the project manager to actively develop and maintain them. Qualities that enable the existence of these relationships can be observed and measured.  

Why are trusted relationships necessary? What are the benefits? If you are trusted by stakeholders (sponsors and team members), they will likely seek your advice and be more inclined to follow your recommendations. You will be targeted for …

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