So, you say you’re a Project Manager!

This is my soap box so please forgive me as I jump up on it.

Point 1
So, you say you’re a Project Manager; but are you really?

Just because you passed the PMP, read all the Project Management information, and you’re a member of the National or Local PMI or MPUG group does not mean you’re really a Project Manager. Likewise, just because you act as a Project Manager in a company that really does not embrace true Project Management does not make you a Project Manager.

I like to think or a real Project Manager as a pseudo Fortune Teller, Soothsayer, or Prophet of their projects.

It is not the job of a Project Manager to tell you what happened with a project last week! It is the job of a Project Manager to tell you what will occur next week and beyond. That simple bold statement sets Project Managers apart from Project Schedulers, Junior PM’s and Project Assistants, and many other project related positions.

Why do I make a point of this?

Great question, I talk about this for one very important reason. If you make that statement (It is not the job of a Project Manager to tell you what happened with a project last week! It is the job of a Project Manager to tell you what will occur next week and beyond.), a primary fixture in the way you approach all Project Management tasks it will change everything you do and make you a much better and more effective Project Manager, Portfolio Manager, Sr. Project Manager, or PMO Director.

Point 2
So, you say you’re a Project Manager; but are you really?

A Project Managers job is not always a pleasant one. It requires the ability to tell the truth to people even when they don’t want to hear it. Although I don’t have personal experience I know several Project Managers that have been dismissed from their positions for doing just that, telling the truth when other people did not want to hear it! That makes being a PM a very tough job to do. Great Project Managers must not fear the truth; they must embrace the truth no matter what the opposition is to doing so.

Most Project Managers would agree with the concept above but many find it hard to actually remain steadfast when faced with the possibility of various consequences. They can be in the form of bad performance reviews to loss of a job or alternatively going with the flow may gain you promotions, recognition, better performance reviews. Again, taking the path of least resistance does not make you a Project Manager and it certainly does not make you a good Project Manager.

Again, placing this concept in the forefront of your actions as a Project Manager will make you a much better and more effective Project Management Professional.

Look for a book on Microsoft Project/Project Server/SharePoint and Business Intelligence from me coming out in 2012!