Philippe SchulerSenior Instructor/Lecturer in Project/Program/Account PMO Management| Independant ConsultantLes Choux, France
I have taught International Project Management at Master level to students coming from different parts of the world for 14 years. They learn up-to-date project management practices based on the PMI framework and they learn actual PM behaviors by working on concrete projects from my international experiences in the IT industry. But they need more. Each year some of them ask me the same question: "Knowing PM best practices and appropriate behaviors is OK, but how can we differentiate from other PMs to become highly recognized in the organizations we work for?"
I usually provide answers coming from my own experience: - Obtain successful achievements with the demonstration you are objectives and results oriented, - Manage your stakeholders and customers expectations to avoid their disappointment, - Be open with your teams but drive them without any ambiguity: demonstrate strong leadership and decision-making - Communicate honestly, accurately and in a timely manner regarding all the project events and status, - Give visibility to your main actions and results, - Anticipate, anticipate: apply risk management appropriately and secure stakeholders trust by providing accurate forecasts.
All these students and very junior practioners understand these advises. Of course this list is not exhaustive. What would be your best recommendations to junior PMs who want to be recognized as a "star" PM in their organizations? Saving Changes...
LORI WILSONRETIRED - Technical Project Manager| RETIRED - LifePoint HealthClarkston, Wa, United States
Philippe, I agree with and really like your list of answers.... and I would consider adding "celebrate milestones - acknowledge your team's hard work". Years ago I read the book, the Carrot Principle by Adrian Gostick. That book has helped me rise in my company as a Sr. Project Manager. The power of recognition and how it can change and improve company culture is something project managers can use to elevate their influence and improve their visibility in their corporations. Saving Changes...
Philippe SchulerSenior Instructor/Lecturer in Project/Program/Account PMO Management| Independant ConsultantLes Choux, France
Thank you Lori for your inputs. I fully agree with you as well. Saving Changes...
Command on project management knowledge coupled with demonstrated performance. Respect for your team members and be open to suggestions. Show courage, passion and be just & honest. Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
First of all, you have to define what "highly recognized PM" means for the organization where you are working today. That will impact into getting the objective. Generally speaking I think that to be somebody that everybody take into account when a project will be started you have to be perceived for each stakeholder as "somebody who makes my work life easy mainly when we work inside a project context". Saving Changes...
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
The question you have to ask yourself is "what do I want to be recognized for?" Trust me, it's not as easy a question as it appears. Saving Changes...
Will PribleDirector| CoastalFrankfort, Ky, United States
Deliver a project on time, within budget, and communicate effectively from start to finish. 60% of the time, it works every time (to borrow a quote from a movie)--totally kidding by the way. Typically, organizations prize those who can effectively communicate throughout a project and deliver excellence and will find ways to show their appreciation. Saving Changes...
