6 Things Every Good Project Manager Does

Summary

This video highlights six key habits of an effective project manager (PM). First, a PM must build a strong team by selecting the right individuals and guiding them through the stages of forming, storming, and norming. Next, the PM should keep the team focused on clear goals and milestones, while managing potential risks and removing roadblocks. Financial tracking is crucial for staying within budget. A detailed plan, including short- and long-term milestones, is essential to keep the project on track. Finally, a great PM solves problems by quickly identifying, discussing, and resolving any issues that arise.

Takeaways

• 😀 Build the team first: A good project manager (PM) focuses on assembling the right team before anything else, as the team lays the foundation for success.
• 😀 Forming, Storming, Norming: The team goes through stages – forming (getting together), storming (facing conflict), and norming (working together smoothly) – and a PM guides them through these phases.
• 😀 Healthy conflict is essential: A project manager ensures that conflict within the team is healthy and constructive, not destructive.
• 😀 Clear roles and goals: The PM must assign clear roles and responsibilities, while the team sets and holds each other accountable to goals.
• 😀 Keep the team focused: A PM’s job is to ensure the team stays on track, constantly focused on the next milestone or task.
• 😀 Risk management: Once the team is formed and focused, a PM’s next priority is to manage risks, roadblocks, and constraints to ensure smooth progress.
• 😀 Track finances: A PM should stay on top of financial projections and ensure no money is lost, even if there’s no opportunity to magically increase the budget.
• 😀 Multiple plans: Successful PMs work with both long-term and short-term plans, with regular milestones and check-ins to keep the project on track.
• 😀 Problem-solving mindset: A good PM is proactive about solving problems, helping the team identify issues, discuss them, and come up with solutions.
• 😀 Leadership is key: A project manager’s leadership skills, including the ability to build a strong team, manage risks, track finances, and solve problems, are the backbone of a successful project.

Q & A

What is the first key habit of a good project manager (PM)?

The first key habit is to build a team. A project manager must focus on assembling the right people with the right experience and ensure that the team members complement each other to achieve project success.

What are the phases that a team goes through when it starts working together?

The team typically goes through the following phases: Forming (team formation), Storming (conflict and adjustment), and Norming (team members align on goals and culture). A great PM helps guide the team through these phases.

How should a project manager handle unhealthy conflict within the team?

A good project manager will help manage unhealthy conflict by encouraging healthy conflict, where team members can express differing opinions constructively. This leads to better decision-making and stronger team bonds.

What is the importance of proximity in building a team?

Proximity is crucial because people tend to work better and build stronger relationships when they are physically or closely aligned. The PM must create opportunities for team members to interact and get to know each other.

What role does a project manager play in keeping the team focused?

The project manager helps keep the team focused by ensuring that there are clear milestones or goals in place. This drives the team to work cohesively toward achieving the next task or project milestone.

How does a project manager manage risks and roadblocks?

A project manager should identify potential risks, roadblocks, and constraints early on. By either removing them or moving the team around them proactively, the PM ensures the project progresses smoothly and productively.

Why is it important for a project manager to track finances during a project?

Tracking finances ensures that the project stays within budget and that resources are managed effectively. While a PM can’t magically generate more money, they can prevent financial losses and ensure that the project remains profitable.

What is the role of a project manager in setting and managing the project plan?

A PM is responsible for setting both long-term and short-term plans for the project. This includes having milestones that keep the team on track and making adjustments when necessary to ensure successful completion.

What should a project manager do if the team falls behind schedule?

A project manager must help the team recover by identifying the issues causing delays, discussing them openly, and coming up with a solution. Recovery involves taking corrective actions and refocusing the team on the right tasks.

What is the 'Identify, Discuss, Solve' (IDS) approach in project management?

The IDS approach involves identifying problems early on, discussing them as a team, and then solving them together. This approach helps in addressing issues promptly, keeping the project on track and ensuring team collaboration.