Biggest Challenges for Beginner Project Managers

Over the past 10 years, Chris Cook has spent his career in the construction industry. He has a Bachelor's of Science in Industrial Technology Management with an emphasis in Building Construction Management and Master's of Science in Project Management. He is an accredited PMP. Follow more of Chris's insights at his blog EntrePMeur.

  Career Development   Leadership   New Practitioners  

Tell me if this sounds familiar: You start at a company working on the front lines, boots on the ground working long hours trying to learn as much as you can. Eventually, you get good and start to earn promotions.

You work your way up to lead developer of a team. You are the leader of the operations for your small crew of three to five individuals. After many years, management comes to you with the opportunity to become a project manager. They tantalize you with a company vehicle, cell phone and working shorter hours closer to home. The money is similar, so you agree to the position. You are a new project manager!

You have spent years being on the outside—and now you are in those meetings about scheduling and where the project should go next. You start to realize how all these things can go wrong, and start to long for your old job.

This life in management is not as glamorous as it appeared. What could some of the issues you are running up against in your new role be?

Earning trust
You were once one of them, working on the front lines getting your hands dirty. Now, you have shifted to the other side of the fence. You have to earn the trust of a different kind. Your teams know you know how to perform the work, but do you know how to manage the work?

Communication is paramount. If you need help, ask. Seek out an experienced project manager to get a lay of …

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