The Most Important Competencies for Project Managers

A project manager’s role has been enhanced very rapidly. Questions like “What makes an effective project manager” or “What competencies are important for a project manager” are queries usually get when I work with my clients. This led me to deep research and found several skills that can help every project manager to become a competent leader. I have summarized them into 2 groups so you can easily prioritize them in learning.

Practice ethics & communicate with clarity

This is about creating an environment where all project teams will honor the same rules. A project manager has to ensure high ethical standards that convey a commitment to fairness and implant confidence. Similarly, a project manager has to ensure that his expectations are communicated to avoid blind spots and bring everyone on the same page.

You can achieve this by being consistent with your values. Avoid making odd decisions or decisions that do not align with your principles or justifying actions. Additionally, to ensure that everyone is feeling safe, work on your communication approach. Start acknowledging and defusing feared results. For example, when something goes wrong in a project — say, “I am not trying to blame you. I just want to understand what happened”.

Let others make decisions and be organized

Today project managers give directions to their teams but not everyone allows their teams to organize their own time & work. Probably it’s because they are reluctant to allow others to make mistakes and face the consequences of being challenged.

Let the team knows your feeling that arises when you feel that your position is being confronted so they can try making better judgments. In parallel, train yourself to experience relaxation in stressful situations. Remember that giving power up is a great way to increase influence — which builds power over time.

These were the two areas to consider if you are trying to become a competent project manager. I hope it will help you. Will be coming in next week with something more about project managers and leaders. Do not forget to subscribe. You can also follow me on Medium, Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, and Linked In as well.