Ryan AndrewsProject Assistant | Lectric ebikesPhoenix, AZ, United States
I am 7 months into my PM role at a startup and I oversee about 30 projects. However, I find myself sometimes lost and frankly bored. To describe my role is that I oversee 3-4 people who are involved in the projects, I do not work with budgets, there is little to none urgency when getting a project done and I do not have a lot of direction or guidance. Just looking for some good advice if you were in my shoes. Thanks. Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Ryan, this is probably the nature of the projects in your organization when it comes to size, and urgency. However, in terms of direction, you can have a one to one honest chat with your superior and let him or her know how you feel about it. Maybe propose you do some professional development to complement your work experience or propose they assign you projects of higher importance. I find an honest and transparent discussion in this regards to be always helpful.
On the other hand, if that didn't work, then you can start looking at moving to another organization where you can get better direction, and experience but that's never guaranteed. Saving Changes...
Unfortunately, in many startups, a PM role is basically an expeditor at best and a coordinator at worst, especially if it is a product-focused startup. Unless you see your current role as a step to a more critical role within the startup (e.g. product owner), I'd gain as much experience as you can and look at shifting to a company with a higher level of organizational PM maturity where there would be meaningful PM work for you to take on.
Kiron Saving Changes...
Samuel MorleyProject Manager, CEng MIET | PMPWolverhampton, Shropshire, United Kingdom
Why is there no urgency? Surely the business has deadlines to meet and that is the job of the PM to set the schedule and maintain the drumbeat of the work?
Ryan, I too started out as a coordinator/ PM in a company developing many products at one time (outdoor furniture to be precise), and not all the projects would succeed - it was around 10% success rate, but it was run of the mill design and development stuff that the company had budgeted for. The development system was very automated, almost operational, so all costs and materials were covered by the department, so I wasn't able to practice things like cost management, integration/change control or procurement. So at times, I too felt like I wasn’t being challenged as a PM
But, I did my best to pick out certain product/projects I was more passionate about, or a bit more challenging then the rest and focus on them instead. I would be determined to make those few interesting projects work. Though not all did, I used it as an opportunity to grow and develop my skills, on my own terms, in other knowledge areas like influencing stakeholders, communications, scheduling and quality. Another key role of a PM is to be the voice of the customer - this takes practice. You still have a lot to learn after only 7 months and it sounds like there is loads of opportunity to practice your profession where you are now. It is also the perfect environment to practice the art of chairing really effective meetings – an underrated skill.
After 6 years I did eventually change company into a more 'projectised strong matrix' organisation. I like the route that I took because, by then, I had developed those all-important soft skills and versatility which meant the role really came naturally to me - rather than if I’d started out as a discipline specialist or project support function that was limited in scope.
The phrase ‘Carpe diem’ springs to mind! Saving Changes...
The best advice I got as someone who was about to complete my undergraduate studies was a guest speaker who was an exec from a high tech company and I think a little bit drunk. It was essentially, don't worry if your first job wasn't a good fit. There are a lot of opportunities in this business, the nature of the business is that projects are temporary, your job will change, and if things aren't working out, get the most out of it and move on.
The way you describe your job is more of a project admin than manager, which is very common for entry level. If there are any skills you can acquire for now, do so but start looking for your next big adventure. You now know more of what you're looking for, that not all jobs advertised as PM are really PM, you can fine tune how you're looking for jobs, and you know smarter questions to ask in a job interview. Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
Learn how to run faster than your project stakeholders when things go wrong...hehe. Here comes: 1-Just take into account that each person in this world perform project management from the time they wake up to the time they go to bed. Just the difference is the level of formality when you use it in organizations. 2-project/program/portfolio management is the art to convince people to work for you when those people are above of you and below of you in the organizational pyramid (and they are working in other tasks that most of the times the project tasks are not in their objectives). Saving Changes...
Sanam TajSenior Business Analyst| Infrarisk Ltd. U.K.Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
This is a good time to improve your knowledge and skills, especially at times that you are bored. Read up on your Industry trends and ways of working; review PM skills, etc. In addition, explore helping other areas of the project, this will make you a more well rounded Project Manager that will benefit you tremendously in the future. Work on creating new templates, reports etc. for your company, focus on the items that will help make your project management more efficient and accurate.
I am sure the deadline may not be too tight, but you have deadlines so prepare your milestones reports and update your project management charts in your free time. Saving Changes...
All projects are important for organizations, regardless of visibility. The enterprise invests in these projects to improve their operations. However, the real challenge is to change the way we adopt these projects. Here are some recommendations:
1 Talk to your superiors about the importance, challenges, and value of the projects under your responsibility. Explain to you how the experience gained will benefit your professional career. You always have the option to accept the projects or move on to other organizations for new professional challenges.
2 Develop your leadership skills at any organizational level. Leadership is important to establish values such as quality, collaboration, time management, and engagement within the team. As a project manager, you can encourage your team to work together effectively to ensure project success.
3. The first step in demonstrating our values is leading by example, so let's share them with the team as often as possible to drive success.
Good luck. Saving Changes...
Joshua NussbaumQuality Analyst| VerlandPittsburgh, PA, United States
I'd make the best of it. Hopefully, it's low-enough stress that you can use the time (outside of work) to pursue certifications, networking experience, and other opportunities. Then, in due time, you can make the move to something more up your alley. Saving Changes...
Maybe you should see this situation as an opportunity to show your innovative and creative abilities. Talk to your manager, and tell him new ideas for processes or improvements you can make to control de projects in a better manner. Technology advancements are also good initiatives; you can propose a new technology solution that helps with the project management in your company. Saving Changes...
Taka SandeDirector| FasfordPretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
It sounds like you are experiencing a lack of engagement and direction in your current PM role. Here are some ideas on how to unlock your current situation.
Initiate communication with your leadership so that you have clear and mutual understanding about your situation. Schedule a meeting with your leadership team or immediate supervisor to discuss your concerns. Expressing your desire for more challenging tasks or additional responsibilities. This might help identify opportunities for growth within the organization.
Propose improvements to existing processes. This might involve suggesting new project management tools, implementing more efficient communication channels, or establishing clearer project timelines.
Since the current role is boring, seek professional development opportunities so that you can position yourself for better opportunities. Explore training programs, workshops, or certifications related to project management. This will enhance your skills and make you more valuable to the organization.
As you develop your skills, also evaluate your long-term career goals against your passion. If your current role doesn't align with your goals, you might consider discussing potential career paths with your leadership team or exploring opportunities elsewhere.
Finally, build your network. Connect with colleagues within and outside your organization. Building relationships with others in the organization can provide new perspectives and opportunities. Remember that as part of your network you need peers, advisors and mentors. Saving Changes...
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