Today’s economy is definitely having a hiring effect on positions in nearly every industry and profession and project management is no exception.  Current trends indicate that the majority of employment agencies and employers are establishing tough entry criteria for prospective project managers – some even requiring PMP certification just to be initially considered for an open PM position (something I have an issue with). Likewise, project customers have learned from past experiences that a project manager at the helm of an important project does not necessarily imply success. Instead, customers are setting higher standards for future project incumbents. Customers expect project managers to be able to:

Run projects autonomously and manage themselves

The effective project manager is a self-governing person, and independent thinker, and free from the need to be micro-managed.  Customers expect the project professionals that are overseeing their projects to be leaders and take-charge individuals who can make important decisions with authority and act on them.  Time is often money and key decisions must be made and acted upon on projects at times quickly without the constraints of always running every issue up the chain of command for feedback and a decision.

Accurately estimate and track project schedules and costs

Project managers should be able to effectively and efficiently run projects using powerful project management scheduling tools like Project Planner and Project Viewer or similar pieces of software.

Communicate quickly and efficiently at all levels of business

The project manager must be a confident communicator and must be connected within the organization.  The well-connected project manager can break down barriers and get critical tasks done for his projects that others cannot.  Customers want and need a project manager who is ready to lead and make things happen and can work well with all levels within his own organization for the success of the projects he manages.

Communicate efficiently

Be creative and think out-of-the-box

Project managers who are looking for both conventional and unconventional ways to get things done for their customers – as long as they are still aligned with the goals of the company and the project – are increasing their chances of success for their projects and their customers.  Project managers striving for excellence must occasionally step outside of their comfort zone to get things accomplished.

Be accountable for a project’s success

The excellent project manager has the target on his head for the entire success of the project and he knows it.  He approaches everything about the project this way, accepts responsibility for decisions, deliverables, successes, failures, and the communication that must happen in order to make the project successful.  The customer sees this, expects this, and is a happy customer for it.

Summary

Much should be expected of the project manager and much is expected of the project manager.  The project manager should be ready to take on these expectations and not shift responsibilities and blames to team members and others in the organization.  Our customers – in order to justify paying for project management oversight and see value in it – are expecting a lot from the position and it is definitely our jobs to deliver on those expectations.