Finally after years of struggle, learning, and an expensive management degree, you have landed into the job of a project manager. Now, you have the power to run the project in your own way, make new strategies, do experiments and a lot more. You can do everything which you ever wanted your manager to do. For instance, most managers miss out to invest in effective team collaboration ways like an online collaboration tool. In all, you have the power in your hands now and the sky is your limit. But before you begin your journey, here are a few tips to ensure your path brings goodwill and success to you. These practical tips will help new project managers cope up with work challenges easily.
1. Be a Learner
Project management is a continuous learning process. No one can be entitled as a ‘perfect project manager’ for having worked for X number of years or handling Y number of projects. It is a complete journey in itself. If you want your team to grow, learn, and work according to you then you need to open to new ideas and strategies every now and then. In fact, at the end of the day make it a point to note down at least a single new thing you learned today and implement it in your work the next day.
2. Find a Mentor
An experienced project manager can be of great help in the beginning of your career. Find a mentor and guide who is ready to share his wealth of knowledge and experience with you. In fact, simply observing the style of working of an experienced manager can help you understand the ways to deal with stakeholders and team members. If you happen to get a chance to under a mentor or a senior manager then enthusiastically avail it. If not, then informally choose one and seek the right guidance.
3. Be Open to Change
It is natural for anyone to be hesitant and uncomfortable towards adapting a change in our life. This can happen while working on a project as well. At times, you may have to opt for different strategies than a traditional one to accomplish a project. Change is an inevitable phenomenon and thus shouldn’t resist that. The only way out is to adopt to a management plan which can help you cope up with it and deliver the project successfully.
4. Communicate and Collaborate with your Team
"My belief is that communication is the best way to create strong relationships."-Jada Pinkett Smith
If you want to build a team and make them work as per your expectations then communication is the key to that. In fact, team collaboration and communication is the secret ingredient to successful project management. Invest in an online collaboration software that helps you to stay connected with your team every now and then. This would be a powerful platform to share, update, and discuss important information with your team and involve them in decision making process. This is particularly helpful for managers working with remote teams.
I hope the above points prove valuable for your work and growth as a project manager. If there are any other useful points, feel free to share as comments below.
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