What is the Real Responsibility of a Project Manager?

Summary

The video emphasizes the strategic role of a project manager, akin to a CEO, in achieving business results. It highlights the importance of not just meeting time, budget, and scope goals, but also focusing on execution excellence, adaptation, business focus, and inspiring leadership. This holistic approach transforms project management into project leadership, ensuring success through a combination of these elements.

Takeaways

• 📋 The primary role of a project manager in strategic project leadership is not only to meet time, budget, and scope goals but also to achieve business results.
• 🌟 A project manager is more than a manager; they are a leader, akin to a CEO, responsible for the overall success and business outcomes of the project.
• 🔑 The concept of being a 'CEO of the project' shifts the perspective of project management from a mere activity to a strategic endeavor aimed at business creation through teams.
• 🛠 Execution excellence is fundamental, but it must be combined with other elements for successful project leadership.
• 🔄 Adaptation is crucial; the project must be tailored to fit the right context to ensure success.
• 🎯 A strong business focus is essential for a project leader, requiring strategic thinking over operational.
• 📈 Project leaders need to develop their own project strategy and understand the business context to drive the project towards achieving business results.
• 💡 Inspired leadership is vital; project leaders must learn to inspire their teams to foster a culture of innovation and commitment.
• 🔗 Project leadership involves a combination of execution, adaptation, business focus, and inspired leadership—all of which are necessary for a successful project.
• ⚠️ The absence of any one of these elements can lead to project failure, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to project management.
• 🚀 Project leaders are energized and intelligent individuals capable of grasping and implementing the complex but achievable aspects of strategic project leadership.

Q & A

What are the primary responsibilities of a project manager in strategic project leadership?

In strategic project leadership, a project manager is responsible for meeting time, budget, and scope goals, but also for achieving business results, which is the ultimate goal.

Why is the project manager described as a leader and not just a manager?

The project manager is described as a leader because they are responsible for achieving business results, which requires a strategic mindset and the ability to inspire and guide the team, similar to the role of a CEO.

How does the role of a project leader compare to that of a CEO in a company?

A project leader is likened to a CEO because both are responsible for ensuring the success and achievement of business objectives within their respective domains.

What is the significance of viewing project management as a creation of business through teams?

Viewing project management as a creation of business through teams emphasizes the importance of collaboration, strategic planning, and a business-focused approach, rather than just completing tasks.

What are the key elements that a project leader, as a 'CEO of the project', needs to combine in their work?

The key elements a project leader needs to combine include execution excellence, adaptation to the right context, maintaining a business focus, and providing inspired leadership to the team.

Why is execution excellence not enough for a project leader to achieve success?

Execution excellence alone is not enough because it does not encompass the strategic thinking and business-oriented approach required to achieve the broader business results beyond just completing the project.

What does 'adapting the project to the right context' mean in the context of project leadership?

Adapting the project to the right context means understanding and responding to the specific environment, challenges, and opportunities that the project faces, ensuring that the project strategy aligns with the current situation.

How does a project leader maintain a business focus while managing a project?

A project leader maintains a business focus by thinking strategically about the project's impact on the business, aligning project goals with business objectives, and making decisions that drive business value.

What is the importance of strategic thinking in project leadership?

Strategic thinking is crucial in project leadership because it allows the project leader to consider long-term goals, anticipate changes, and make decisions that will contribute to the overall success and sustainability of the business.

How can a project leader inspire their team to achieve business results?

A project leader can inspire their team by setting a clear vision, communicating effectively, recognizing achievements, fostering a positive work environment, and empowering team members to take ownership of their work.

What are the potential consequences if a project leader fails to combine the necessary elements of project leadership?

If a project leader fails to combine the necessary elements, the project may fail to achieve its intended business results, leading to wasted resources, missed opportunities, and potential damage to the organization's reputation.