One person recently quipped that project leaders are CEOs in training. Think about it! Within the scope of the project, the leader is responsible for facilitating all project activities that a CEO would have in a company. Let’s look at a copy areas where the PM must excel.
The formation of a team involves both process and outcome. The process of team building includes chartering the team, selecting team members, building consensus, negotiating team rules, resolving conflicts, encouraging involvement, ensuring fairness, monitoring progress, providing direction, and reinforcing progress.
The product of a team is its deliverables, its results. The team may have to solve an intractable problem, implement systems, or gain ISO 9000 registration. The list goes on. Bottom line: the team has a measurable, deliverable objective.
The PM leads through influence and example. Only a few people may report directly to the project manager who may have no formal position power or authority. This person knows how to negotiate, resolve conflicts, create coalitions, understand/satisfy individual needs, and be the consummate political player.
Life Lesson Earned: A PM learns how to lead and manage must like a CEO.