Leadership Counsel: Develop the Vision To Take You Higher

  Career Development   Leadership   PM Network  

The project management profession has evolved significantly since its early years. It is undeniable that one aspect that has become increasingly relevant is how we look at the importance of people skills.

As project managers, technical knowledge is at the core of our toolbox. But people skills are what enable us to thrive in the profession.

Leadership may very well be a project manager’s most important “soft” skill. It is the amalgamating ingredient of effective team dynamics, which is a determining factor in achieving project goals. Projects have deliverables to produce, processes to follow and information to constantly communicate to stakeholders. Without a leader imparting vision, motivation, knowledge and control (sometimes in a subtle way), a project has the potential to lose its focus and fail.

Here are some basic ideas that can help you kick-start your development process. You were not born a leader. Leadership is a skill that is nurtured and cultured over time; you must practice and develop it.

Lead by example. In general, people follow what they see in others. Set an example by exerting the practices and behaviors you want to see in your team. Develop your credibility by consistently following up on your words and translating them into action.

Be a “people catalyst.” Best practices dictate that a project is only as successful as its project …

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