Don KimPROJECT-TO-PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT EXPERT| Seeking opportunitiesSacramento, CA, United States
I read this post on PMI's blog and the author states that since project management is mostly a tactical skill set that it does not really lend itself to the kind of strategic thinking one would need to be an effective C level executive.
My feeling is the exact opposite as I think managing projects can be a great stepping stone to becoming a C level executive. Organizations have become more project oriented with the constant need to churn out new products and technologies in our fast paced and globalized economy, and those who can jump in and manage them successfully, are the ones I think who are best poised to become future executives.
Gone are the days where companies relied on a few products and focused on operations. The most successful CEOs I believe are the ones who can strategically manage their portfolio of critical projects and being a project manager is the foundation for this skill set.
Of course being a project manager myself I may be a bit biased. :) What do you all think? Saving Changes...
Simply the answer is NO. The project management avenue offers excellent career prospects at very senior project management roles but to become CEO will not happen. I have witnessed however, the opposite almost due to a major reorganisation very senior directors reported to CEO ended up managing PMO's! Saving Changes...
Sam MotesManager II Business Sys, Operational Excellence| BA Systems Inc.Ellenton, Fl, United States
If you are a PM that strictly follows procedures and is known for building a plan and following it, then I agree that a PM breaking out of the PM role into the C level position level is highly unlikely. However if you are a PM known for executing on deliverables and run projects across the corporation building relationships and a reputation for understanding the business then I can't see the PM role holding you back. A big key would be to build your skills on top of your PM role though. You have to have solid financial skills and deep industry knowledge. You want to build a reputation as a business leader who happens to be a strong PM as well and can't be known as just the PM that keeps people honest on following procedures. Saving Changes...
Mark Price PerryBusiness Driven PMO Evangelist| BOT InternationalOrlando, Fl, United States
Great post and replies. There is no reason why a PM can't be a CEO. In fact, I know lots of CEOs that were project managers, especially within the industry classification of companies that provide project related services such as A&E and construction. And this ranges from very large firms to smaller, boutique consulting and training businesses. I think the notion that project managers are somehow "unfit" to be CEOs is misguided and simply plays into a stereotype. To the contrary, project managers typically possess excellent servant-leadership skills which in some businesses is highly desired and critical to success. Can a project manager send in a resume to a company like IBM and be the CEO? Well of course not. But neither could a sales person, marketing rep, service engineer, accountant, or just about any other individual contributor role. One common qualification that many CEOs possess is a CPA. But that no more means that all CPAs can become CEOs than suggesting that all PMs can (or want to) become CEOs. Saving Changes...
Kevin ColemanSubject Matter Expert, Author, Speaker and Strategic Advisor| - InsightsPa, United States
I hate to have to give this answer but it depends! Saving Changes...
