In the past, surgeons were often blacksmiths or barbers, because they possessed the necessary sharp instruments to do the job. Today, becoming a surgeon requires years of formal education and extensive internships. Similarly, the role of a project manager in many organizations remains unchanged. Individuals with neither the skills nor the experience of a project manager are often chosen for the position. Instead, those with a proven track record in a technical area are selected. Just as in the case of the surgeon (blacksmith), the person is not required to have needed qualifications, but rather other skills believed to enable one to succeed in the role of a project manager.
You probably wouldn't trust a blacksmith to perform surgery on you, so why accept someone without the necessary qualifications to manage a project?
Why, then, is a person who does not have the necessary qualifications to be a project manager, accepted to carry out the tasks of a project manager?
Me as a project manager?
Project management involves the application of knowledge, skills, methods, and tools to project activities to achieve project objectives. A project manager leads the organization to meet the project’s objectives.
The project manager must have sufficient knowledge in the following areas:
Technical project management
Leadership
Project environment
Business
Product and industry
Technical project management entails the management of processes, methods and tools related to various aspects of project management. This includes planning, implementing, monitoring, and controlling the scope, schedule, budget, and communication of a project. Proficiency in technical project management is essential for all project managers.
Most of a project manager's time is spent on leading people. Success or failure as a project manager depends on how well the people working on the project perform their tasks. Effective leadership aims to maximize the performance of the project organization to achieve set objectives. In my opinion, this is the area that distinguishes exceptional project managers from the average ones.
Understanding of the project environment involves knowledge of the political, social, and international aspects of the project. For instance, there are differences between public and private sector projects. In international projects, one must be familiar with meeting practices, time zones, cultural norms, and the practical aspects of travel.
The project manager must also have a good understanding of business, which includes strategy, organizational structures, finance, sales, marketing, and contract knowledge. Projects implement the organization's strategy. The project manager must know how her project relates to the organization’s strategy. Projects can have a significant impact on a company's finances, including budgeting, revenue, and cash flow. The project manager should understand how the organization operates, who is responsible for what, where resources come from, and how the organization's structure affects the project and the role of the project manager. Additionally, the project manager should have knowledge of contracts, especially when the project involves one. It her job to ensure that the terms of the contract are respected during the project.
The project manager should have adequate product and industry knowledge. This includes knowledge of legislation, standards, and other regulations, relevant to certain industries. Unfortunately, there is a common misconception that product and technical knowledge are the most critical areas of expertise for a project manager. However, the project manager's role is to ensure the project organization possesses the necessary product and technical knowledge, allowing her to focus on her core task—project management.
How can you train to become a project manager?
You can study project management in some institutions, but they may not provide full qualifications for the project manager profession. Formal education specifically aimed at becoming a project manager is limited.
To obtain sufficient qualifications, I recommend enrolling in project management and leadership courses, and supplementing these with self-study, internships, and finally obtaining a project manager certification (PMP or IPMA-C) to prove your qualifications. A few years of experience in various specialist roles before becoming a project manager will increase your understanding of your company's operating environment and processes, and help you establish a network of stakeholders inside and outside the company. You can then start your career as a project manager by practicing the profession on a small project with the support of an experienced mentor.
Writer
Hannu Blomqvist
PMO Manager, Codemen Oy Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannu-blomqvist-pmp-b67770/
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