How Do You Prevent Yourself from Becoming Invisible?
Here’s the problem with being a good Project Manager…you begin to disappear when you do your job well. Think about it. Projects need Managers because without them Projects get out of control. Projects that are out of control are highly visible and end up on everyone’s radar. Projects that are in control (schedules are met, risks are mitigated, costs are contained) rarely end up on people’s radar. They just get done.
Here’s one thing you can do to make sure you don’t fade away. Hold a Quarterly Review with the stakeholders that matter. These stakeholders range from Project Sponsors and Executives in your company to those with your Client. Review project successes, milestones that were reached, and costs that were saved. Review what was learned from troublesome projects and how those lessons were successfully applied forward. Review whatever is relevant to this group of influential people and POSITIVELY stay on their radar.
So, what are some of the things you’ve done to prevent yourself from becoming invisible as a Project Manager? Saving Changes...
Jennifer:
Good question; I wonder if many really good project managers have this problem.:)
A great way to maintain your status in the organization is to position yourself to manage multiple projects. You should create a niche for yourself; infrastructure, network, troubled projects, enterprise.
Partner with the business and you will be one busy project manager; good opportunity to build your program managerment experience.
Other thoughts? Saving Changes...
Elizabeth HarrinDirector| RebelsGuideToPM.comLondon, England, United Kingdom
Your personal brand is important, and you do need to actively maintain. I try to keep in front of key stakeholders, but without being annoying present and without wasting their time. If you know what is important to them, and can deliver it, and let them know that you have done so and be modest and personable, they will think highly of them. In the end, your job is to make them and the project look good in the eyes of those higher up! Saving Changes...
Rakesh TrivediSenior Project Manager| IT CompanyIndore, Mp, India
Very Good thought , I have felt this happening in some of the organization. Some PM first make a unnecessary fuss out of the project and then once its on Radar make a advantage out of the same buy ordering the things. I have seen this strategy works very well but may not be everlasting and work only with dumb Top Mgmt.
I always prefer to remain dedicated & committed towards work and rest will automatically comes since everything pays off at the end. It may sound highly inexpedient and may be slow but will work.
Quarterly reviews are a great way followed by celebration lunch where apart from high performing team members, stakeholders who contributed to success of project can be given some kind of recognition award (certificate or a recognition award/ momento) Saving Changes...
