Whose Job Is It, Anyway? Stand Out With Your Business Knowledge

  PM Network  

Whenever I have discussions about the need for project managers to understand the business aspects of their projects, one question often pops up: Is that really the project manager’s job?

And it’s true that at many organizations, engaging in business-oriented activities is not explicitly included in the job duties of the project manager. However, there are many excellent reasons why project managers should take the initiative to proactively learn about (and participate in) the wide variety of issues and activities related to the business and strategic aspects of the projects they manage. Here are just a few:

1. You are likely to make better project decisions. Basing choices solely upon technical or functional considerations means all of the critical inputs required to make the best possible decision aren’t being considered. Project managers who do not understand the business aspects of their projects are destined to make subpar decisions from time to time.

2. You’re likely to become involved in a broader, and perhaps more interesting, range of activities. Practicing business-based project management may include anything from helping to prepare project business cases to participating in strategic planning sessions. And many of today's intelligent, capable and ambitious project managers would welcome such opportunities.

3. Respect …

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