What then are the qualities that make for a perfect project manager?
A project manager’s job entails supervising a team, managing their aspirations, ensuring optimum productivity and above all ensuring meeting project deadlines and deliverables. That’s a whole lot of responsibility.
People with an aptitude for being organized and being able to lead, while still letting others use their natural talents, make great project managers. However, those aren't the only requirements. If you are genuinely good at your job and have a passion for helping others also succeed, and can handle being in charge of people, even when deadlines are looming, then looking into being a project manager is probably something you should do.
A project manager position is not something that comes just once. It is an opportunity that always exists. The management is always observing its employees to see which of them can on increased responsibilities. In fact, with the level of competition today and the need to keep trim, many companies are looking integrate several of their current projects under one department or ''umbrella'' of projects. This requires competent project managers to help lead not only one project, but several different projects. The person should be able to handle several teams at once and plan, organize, develop, and complete several different projects at once.
If you have mastered your current project, can lead a team working on that project and are willing to take on additional responsibilities, then you need to seriously consider moving up the organizational ladder and leading projects instead of just working on them. For example, if you are a highly skilled architect, and work on your trade and your leadership skills, you will be seen as someone who has management potential. Ask for some time to lead certain smaller projects. When you excel at those, and can show upper management that you are capable of leading, solving problems, and keeping costs low, they will begin to entrust you with larger, more complex projects.
You can also take some specialized training for project management. Many local colleges, and universities, hold certificate programs for training in managing projects, people, and learning leadership skills. Participating in these programs will also show your employer you are serious about advancing. It will also look good on your resume when applying for other project management opportunities.
In today's day and age where people are becoming more and more choosy in the way they spend their money, businesses that can run projects smoothly will be the ones that reap the benefits of long term customers. A project manager must be able to keep these projects running smoothly over time. Employment opportunities for a project manager will continue to rise as companies search out the top managers. If you believe you have the skills necessary, then ask for a chance with your current employment, get some training, and seek out other opportunities.
