The Future of Project Management: How to Stay Ahead of the Curve
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In the first few posts of Relentless Velocity, we've delved into the ways in which change is shaping businesses, and explored some of the strategic elements that change leaders like you can bring to the table to navigate through it.
In this article, we'll be exploring the original change leader: the project manager. Over the last decade, the project management profession has faced steep disruption. Advances in technology, the rise of product management, and fierce competition brought on by globalization have created a perfect storm - and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity - for project managers.
Gone are the days when project managers were seen as glorified administrative assistants and task managers. Today, the role has evolved into something much more - it's now intricately involved in strategic initiatives and synonymous with change.
In this article, we'll be diving deep to uncover the set of skills that a project manager needs to possess to future-proof themselves and become a valuable asset to their organization's growth. There are eight core competencies in total, and developing them may require a complete mindset shift for project managers themselves, as well as for the organization. But as someone who's seen these skills in play for a while now, I'm confident that this is the direction that most organizations are heading in.
Before we explore these new core competencies, however, let's first redefine the role of the project manager.
A PM’s Main Purpose
At the heart of it all, a project manager is a master of execution, possessing a range of skills and expertise that enable them to drive progress towards a shared goal.
In a world where change is constant, the role of a project manager has never been more critical. However, misconceptions about their role have led to undervaluing their contribution to a company's growth. I think this is unfair for project managers everywhere and even for the organizations that employ them. Utilized the right way, project manager’s can be an accelerant in making a companies strategic vision a reality.
With that said, let's clear up some common misconceptions about project managers. There are 3 big ones I’ve seen resurface multiple times, unfortunately.
Misconception #1: Project managers are mere note-takers. Reality: They are master facilitators who keep stakeholders aligned with the north star strategy while driving execution.
Misconception #2: Project managers must be technical experts. Reality: They are experts in delivering projects and enabling teams to perform at their best.
Misconception #3: Project managers are just glorified admin assistants. Reality: They are the leaders that understand all the moving pieces and are the true drivers of a project's goals, keeping teams productive, informed, and happy.
If you really want to grasp the true value of a project manager, you need to peel away all the fluff and focus on the core competencies that matter most. At the heart of it all, a project manager is a master of execution, possessing a range of skills and expertise that enable them to drive progress towards a shared goal. Each competency provides a unique tactical advantage, but when they're combined strategically, the results can be truly remarkable, delivering faster timelines, higher quality outputs, and happier customers.
The very best project managers are the ones who possess exceptional skills across all these core competencies, and who can artfully combine them in order to achieve results that are directly aligned with their organization's strategy. This is what it means to be a future-proofed project manager - a professional who can deliver value in any context, no matter how challenging the circumstances.
Did that take you by surprise? No worries, we're about to dive into each of the core competencies that define a future proofed project manager. By the end of it, you'll have a complete picture of what it takes to excel in this role.
The 8 Project Management Core Competencies
If you’re a project manager and reading this article, you know that managing project scope, timelines and budgets are essential. But let's be real, these skills are now considered table stakes. They won’t accelerate your company, or your career to new heights.
In the near future, project managers must evolve and take on diverse personas to unleash their full potential. A set of core competencies that becomes the missing piece between strategy and execution. And it won't be easy. It requires a complete mindset shift that may feel overwhelming at first.
While going through the list, avoid the temptation to improve everything simultaneously. Instead, adopt a gradual approach by focusing on one skill at a time. Your ultimate goal is to become a versatile change leader, capable of seamlessly transitioning between personas and delivering top-notch results for your organization.
Now, let's dive into the list of essential personas that will future-proof your role as a project manager and give you a competitive edge in the marketplace.
So who are project managers…really?
They Are The Dot Connectors: Great project managers are the ultimate dot connectors, able to see the big picture and identify how all the pieces fit together. From strategy to execution, they weave together the diverse threads of a project, navigating multiple, often competing internal and external forces with ease. They know how to get the most out of stakeholders, fostering collaboration and communication to ensure everyone is on the same page. With their uncanny ability to navigate complex challenges and drive results, they're truly masters of their craft.
They Are The Ultimate Planners: Great project managers are not just meticulous, they are ferocious planners who leave no stone unturned in crafting plans that not only achieve desired business outcomes, but also minimize risk. Good project managers plan at a surface level, but exceptional ones take a 360-degree view to identify any potential upstream and downstream disruptions that their project may cause throughout its lifecycle. With a keen eye for detail and a strategic mindset, these project managers are able to anticipate challenges and proactively address them, paving the way for success.
They Are The Face of Calm: Exceptional project managers are the ultimate masters of staying cool, calm, and collected under pressure. They have a sixth sense for navigating through turbulent times and are unflappable in the face of any challenge. These are the true heroes who rise to the occasion when dealing with ambiguity, animosity, and all the other curveballs that come their way. Their focus always remains fixed on the ultimate end goal, and they are experts at keeping everyone on track even when the stakes are high.
They Are People Leaders: The greatest project managers have an uncanny knack for unleashing the full potential of their team, even without the shackles of formal reporting structures. What sets them apart is their ability to inspire, motivate, and guide their team towards success through a masterful display of soft skills and an unwavering focus on solutions. These project management wizards are the ultimate architects of success, crafting a cohesive unit out of disparate individuals and driving them towards a common goal.
They Are Change Agents: Exceptional project managers are the ultimate chameleons of the business world. Their adaptability is off the charts, making them the perfect change agents for any organization. Think about it: what is a project, really, other than a disruption to the status quo? And with disruption comes risk - a whole lot of it, especially when dealing with a diverse set of stakeholders. But the crème de la crème of project managers are able to navigate through the chaos with the finesse of a ballerina, effortlessly managing every twist and turn with poise and grace.
They Are Problem Solvers: When it comes to solving problems, exceptional project managers are the superheroes of the business world. They don't just put a band-aid on the issue - they dive deep with their teams to uncover the root cause and apply the perfect methodology to solve it. They're like detectives, always on the hunt for the right solution. And unlike some one-trick ponies, they have a whole toolbox of methodologies to choose from, allowing them to tackle any problem that comes their way.
They Are Effective Risk Managers: Most people hear "risk" and think of the worst-case scenario, but risk is really just a fancy way of saying "uncertainty" caused by any internal or external event. Senior project managers know this better than anyone and put risk management at the forefront of their decision-making and planning. With their expert skills, they turn uncertainty into opportunity and keep projects on track no matter what surprises pop up along the way.
They Are Educators: Transforming the inexperienced into the capable, the best project managers are true educators at heart. They don't just execute flawlessly based on proven best practices; they relish the opportunity to share their expertise with others. Their contagious passion for excellence fuels a culture of constant learning and improvement, making it nearly impossible for competitors to catch up. With a focus on teaching core competencies, they turn their teams into powerhouses of execution, driving success with every project.
Are things becoming clearer now? The better you become at taking on each of the core competencies outlined above, the greater the value you can expect to bring to your organization.
An Exercise For You
Now that you have a clear understanding of what it takes to be a future-proofed project manager, it's time to put that knowledge into action and start levelling up your skills.
Grab a piece of paper or spreadsheet, and get ready to dive into each of the eight core competencies. Don't worry, this isn't a test - it's an opportunity to take stock of your current skills and identify areas for growth.
You’ll then want to spend some time doing the following:
For each competency, brainstorm at least three examples of times when you successfully demonstrated that persona. If you can only think of one or two, just put those down. These examples will serve as your measuring stick and give you a solid foundation to build upon.
Next, rate yourself on each competency using a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best. Be honest and measure yourself based on the demonstrated experience you outlined above. This will give you a clear idea of where your strengths and weaknesses lie and your confidence level in taking on each persona.
Finally, measure yourself and see where you’re falling short. This is the most important step. What can you do to take on that persona more effectively and frequently in the future?
Remember, this is a living document that you can revisit and modify as you continue to grow and develop as a project manager. Use it as a tool to track your progress and keep yourself accountable as you work towards becoming a future-proofed project management superstar.
Get ready, because the project management landscape is in for a wild ride of changes. With every shift comes the chance to reimagine the role for the better - and this time, the opportunity has never been higher. Are you ready to witness the evolution of the project manager's role, and see how it grows in importance for organizations everywhere? Trust me, it's going to be exciting.
Thanks for sharing!