Are you in charge of other Project managers, or looking to become a PM leader? Leading a team of project managers requires a unique blend of strategic, interpersonal, and technical skills. Here are the top three skills crucial for effectively managing such a team:
1. Strategic Leadership
- Why It’s Important: A team of project managers needs a leader who can align their individual projects with the organization’s overarching goals and strategies.
- What It Involves:
- Setting clear priorities and aligning project objectives with business outcomes.
- Providing vision and direction to ensure consistency across projects.
- Anticipating challenges and guiding the team in proactive risk management.
- Example in Action: Regularly communicating the company’s strategic goals during team meetings to ensure every project contributes to long-term success.
2. Advanced Communication and Collaboration
- Why It’s Important: Project managers are communication hubs for their teams. Leading such individuals requires even more refined communication to ensure clarity, alignment, and efficiency.
- What It Involves:
- Facilitating collaboration across multiple projects and stakeholders.
- Resolving conflicts between project managers or stakeholders with competing priorities.
- Encouraging open communication and fostering an environment where feedback is welcomed.
- Example in Action: Mediating a resource conflict between two project managers by understanding their priorities and negotiating a balanced solution.
3. Coaching and Mentorship
- Why It’s Important: Project managers benefit from a leader who can help them grow professionally, build confidence, and refine their skills.
- What It Involves:
- Identifying each project manager’s strengths and areas for improvement.
- Providing constructive feedback and sharing best practices.
- Supporting professional development through training, certifications, or challenging assignments.
- Example in Action: Pairing a junior project manager with a seasoned colleague for mentorship while offering opportunities to lead smaller projects to build confidence.
Additional Skills to Complement These:
- Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Understanding and managing the emotions of the team to foster trust and collaboration.
- Stakeholder Management: Navigating complex stakeholder relationships and ensuring buy-in across projects.
- Data-Driven Decision-Making: Using metrics and performance indicators to evaluate project success and identify areas for improvement.
A leader of project managers serves as a mentor, strategist, and communicator, ensuring the entire team operates cohesively and contributes to organizational success. Balancing these top skills helps build a high-performing team of project leaders.
